Initiative aims to ensure compliance with release conditions and to prevent repeat offences
The Manitoba government has launched an electronic monitoring program aimed at enhancing community safety through 24-7 global positioning system (GPS) tracking of individuals released on bail.
The program – announced by Matt Wiebe, provincial justice minister – seeks to ensure that those involved in the criminal justice system adhere to their release conditions and to prevent chronic and repeat offences.
“Whether it’s a family whose garage has been broken into or a small business dealing with shoplifters, we know the impact crime is having in communities across our province,” said Wiebe in the news release announcing the establishment of this program that the previous government had cut.
“When the courts decide to release an individual on bail, electronic monitoring is a tool that can be used to ensure they are following the conditions of their release and prevent the type of chronic, repeat offending that is so frustrating and damaging to public safety,” said Wiebe in the news release.
The Manitoba government has allocated $2.9 million over two years to fund the new community safety initiative.
The program uses ankle monitors equipped with GPS technology to track offenders’ movements in real time, said the provincial government’s news release. This technology enables continuous monitoring and helps ensure that offenders comply with court-ordered conditions, such as staying away from specific locations.
The system also includes features like voice, audio, and vibration commands for real-time communication with offenders. If an individual enters a prohibited area, the device can issue loud alerts and can immediately notify law enforcement of the individual's location.
Arthur Stannard, Winnipeg Police Service’s acting chief, expressed concerns about the “alarming” number of individuals opting to breach their release conditions while out on bail.
“Twenty per cent of arrested persons in Winnipeg are on bail, probation or parole and more than 80 per cent of the arrests by the Manitoba Integrated Violent Offender Apprehension Unit involve persons who are on some type of release,” said Stannard in the news release.
Stannard welcomed the launch of the electronic monitoring program. “We are hopeful that this tool will help hold people accountable to their release conditions,” said Stannard in the news release. “The public expects this.”
The GPS monitoring system is also part of the provincial government’s broader efforts to address retail crime. The program can help closely monitor and ensure the compliance of offenders with court-ordered restrictions, such as staying away from certain retail stores. This initiative aims to reduce recidivism among repeat offenders who target businesses.
Rui Rodrigues – the Retail Council of Canada’s executive advisor, loss prevention and risk management – also welcomed the provincial government’s initiative to fight retail crime and to improve public safety.
“Repeat, prolific and often violent offenders are a major concern to many businesses and having those same offenders released and returning to the same businesses day after day to reoffend is disheartening,” said Rodrigues in the news release. “This program adds another layer that will hopefully reduce recidivism and is both appreciated and welcomed.”
