SA trials GPS tracking for domestic violence offenders

South Australia is set to trail a new GPS tracking system that will see domestic violence offenders monitored 24 hours a day.

The state is joining the likes of Queensland and New South Wales, which already use the technology to stay abreast of offenders and note their every move.

Anyone fitted with the tracker will have limitations set around where they can go, with victims and certain family members kept well outside the designated zone.

The trackers will record data, which will be used in prosecution hearings.

It’s hoped the GPS tracking system will keep victims safe and deter abusers from re-offending.

Corrections Minister Peter Malinauskas told the ABC that South Australia was already using GPS tracking for people on bail or released on parole.

“The technology has come a long way over recent years and already we have got this in place in South Australia, so to be able to expand this for domestic violence offenders potentially could dramatically improve the safety of those people that have been victims in the past,” he said.

“We know domestic violence offenders are often repeat offenders, we know they often target specific victims … members of their family, so to be able to monitor their movements could be a really positive step in the right direction to be able to protect those people that need protection the most.”

NSW has already upped the ante, giving victims their own GPS so they can see if the offender is nearby.

The move comes after a number of high-profile domestic violence cases captivated the nation’s attention and saw voters across the country calling for tougher laws to protect victims.

What do you think of this tracking idea? Is it a step in the right direction?