Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

GPS-Enabled Criminals In Massachusetts

Posted by timothy on from the don't-worry-you'll-get-one-too dept.

Fun at LinuxWorld writes "Following on the heels of California's plan to put GPS receivers in cars, Massachusetts wants to fit criminals who violation restraining orders with GPS devices. Wearing the device would be a condition of probation (meaning you can refuse, but then you get to serve your time in jail), and fines and punishments would be imposed if the person entered "restricted zones" (under the terms of the restraining order). With all the reports of GPS being used to restrict the rights of innocent people, is this any better? Will it fix the problem?"

1 of 565 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Appropriate use by ohsoot · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    I agree. Criminals already have to wear anklets to make sure they are home when they are supposed to be. But when they are allowed out (work/school) there is no way to verify that they are indeed at work or school.

    FYI: Most states only currently incarcerated criminals can't vote, once they have served their sentence they are allowed to vote. Here's a more official source for PA. It makes sense that felons can vote; otherwise how would they be able to vote against the laws that put them there.

    And another tidbit is that convicted felons are the only people that can have a gun, but don't have to register it.