Probation officers test GPS anklets

Probation officers are testing global positioning system (GPS) anklets designed to monitor offenders. File photo / NZ Herald

Probation officers around the country are taking a walk on the wild side by testing global positioning system (GPS) anklets designed to monitor offenders.

Community Probation Services (CPS) began testing the functionality, accuracy and usefulness of the GPS units on staff volunteers in October.

"The trial will give us more information on whether GPS technology can help us achieve higher rates of offender compliance and reduce the likelihood of re-offending," CPS general manager Katrina Casey said.

"If the trial using staff is a success, we'll extend it to monitor a small number of carefully selected offenders in the first half of 2011."

Ms Casey said the units were linked to a computer which showed an offenders location.

"The trial will test how well GPS can track people to ensure they stay in restricted areas, such as their home. It will also explore how GPS technology can create 'exclusion zones' to send an alarm if an offender tries to go somewhere they shouldn't, such as a certain part of town, a school or park, or a victim's house," she said.

The trial will test three different GPS units including ankle and belt devices.

- NZPA