Sex offenders have been removing GPS trackers from their ankles in California. On March 1, Brick House Security reported that some parolees are removing these trackers and are not facing any consequences for doing so. Since 2006, all convicted rapists, child molesters and other high-risk sex offenders have been required to wear these devices but as of recently, they have just been taking them off.
"California law enforcement has issued more than 3,400 arrest warrants for GPS tamperers since October of 2011. Those who tamper with the trackers have gone on to commit additional felonies, including attempted manslaughter, child stalking and sexual battery," reports Brick House Security.
The sex offenders who are removing their GPS trackers aren't going to jail because of overcrowding. So, basically, they are removing the ankle devices and going about their business of breaking the law. Now, lawmakers are looking for a way to solve this problem and to make removing the ankle device a punishable act.
According to the report, a California state representative has suggested an automatic 3-year prison sentence for anyone who violates their probation by removing the GPS tracker. While this could cut down on the number of offenders, it may not prevent this from occurring. A criminal will find a way to do their crimes regardless of the punishment.
Sex offenders removing GPS trackers may or may not be deterred by new consequences, but something needs to be done about these parolees who are back on the streets committing crimes.
© Effie Orfanides 2013
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