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The federal government will fund a one-year trial program placing irremovable tracking devices on the ankles of parolees, Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day announced Monday.
Beginning next month, 30 federal prisoners will be "strongly encouraged" when paroled to agree to wear the ankle device, which is equipped with a Global Positioning Satellite system. If they do not agree, their parole board could view it as a sign of being unco-operative, Mr. Day said.
The trial program, which runs for one year at a cost of $600,000, is based on a similar model in Nova Scotia, whereby police are alerted when an offender breaks curfew or location restrictions, such as visiting a children's playground when prohibited from doing so.
"We recognize that there's a need to properly monitor individuals who are on parole in the federal system," Mr. Day said, adding there are some 8,000 people on federal parole right now. With the device, "literally every moment of the day a person's location can be verified."
The prisoners chosen for the program would be a mix, he said, but he spoke often Monday of sexual and serious offenders. They will all be in Ontario.
Mr. Day spoke on a podium with a bilingual "Preventing Crime" slogan, and his staff arranged for four children from the community to play soccer in the park behind him, in sight of television cameras. He was joined by five Peel police officers, including Chief Mike Metcalf.
"This protects our citizens, this protects our children from potential problems," Mr. Day said.
The ankle devices also send out an alarm if a parolee tries to tamper with it.
Mr. Day brushed aside concerns that such ankle bracelets would infringe on a parolee's civil liberties.
"We believe we can do this without violating the rights of a violent offender," he said. "We believe Canadians expect to be protected."
Chief Metcalf expressed support for the program, saying it could help Peel region's monitoring of some 700 registered offenders and parolees, currently watched by just six officers.
The program follows up on a similar plan introduced in 2006 in Nova Scotia with provincial prisoners. The Nova Scotia government will help the Correctional Service of Canada, “based on their experience with the technology,” a statement said.
“We art pleased to share the knowledge and expertise we have gained over the past two years with the Government of Canada,” Justice Minister and Attorney-General Cecil Clarke said in a statement.
The country's ombudsman for victims of crime, a position created by the Conservative government, also supported the move.
