Now that states are under increasing budgetary pressures, some are wondering whether constantly monitoring sex offenders is worth the cost. From the Badger Herald:
Although Wisconsin has been electronically monitoring the worst sex offenders after their release from prison since January 2008, a proposal by Gov. Jim Doyle could change the current system.
Presently, there are two ways to monitor sex offenders.
Under “active” monitoring, sex offenders carry a portable tracking device that allows law enforcement to watch them 24 hours a day. Those under “passive” monitoring are watched more loosely, with their movements reported only when offenders recharge their tracking device.
Current law does not allow offenders being tracked actively to switch to passive tracking. Under Doyle’s proposal, however, the Department of Corrections would be given the option to switch an offender once they are on active tracking for at least 12 months. The switch would also depend on level of risk the offender poses to his community, according to Rachel Krueger, spokesperson for the DOC.
Krueger added that although the proposal will likely save the state money, since the switch from active to passive tracking would be made on a case by case basis, there is no way to determine exactly how much the DOC would save.
The proposal has sparked outrage among Republican lawmakers.
“The proposal is completely gutting the tracking program,” Rep. Scott Suder, R-Abbotsford, said. “[The] governor promoted the toughest position on sex offenders in the last campaign, but [he has done] now a complete 180.”
Although Suder acknowledged the move might save the state money, it will hurt victims in the long run.
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