More parolees tracked with GPS to protect our communities

Five parolees supervised in the South Coast Region are now fitted with GPS devices in order to enhance community safety following the Palaszczuk Government’s review into Queensland’s parole system Minister for Corrective Services Mark Ryan announced today.

Minister Ryan said the number of parolees subject to GPS tracking in Queensland is increasing as the changes made by the Palaszczuk Government following the Sofronoff Review into Queensland’s parole system comes into effect.

“Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) and the new Parole Board Queensland are working closely to expand GPS tracking to new and current parolees who pose a potential risk to the community,” Minister Ryan said

“The Palaszczuk Government made a commitment to tighten and toughen the supervision of parolees and we are delivering on this promise.

“The Sofronoff Review makes it clear that parole supervision would be enhanced through the use of GPS tracking by providing an extra set of eyes for our parole and probation staff.

“Previously GPS trackers were only used on our most dangerous sex offenders , however we have now expanded this technology to include parolees, regardless of their offence, as a tool to enhance their supervision and manage their risk, as we deliver on our commitment to keep Queenslanders safe.

“The Palaszczuk Government has committed $35.15 million over six years to expand GPS monitoring technology to monitor up to 500 parolees across Queensland.                                        

“GPS tracking is being rolled out in high-risk locations including the Gold Coast, with 14 parolees already fitted with GPS devices, five of which are managed by the South Coast Region, with more to come.”

Acting Corrections Commissioner Kerrith McDermott advised that QCS has demonstrated, through the supervision of the State’s most dangerous sex offenders, that GPS technology provides a cost-efficient solution to effectively monitor offenders.

“It is important to make it clear there is a difference between GPS tracking to restrict and control the movement of dangerous sex offenders, against how we are use GPS as a tool to enhance the supervision of parolees, as recommended in the Sofronoff Review,” Acting Commissioner McDermott said.

“GPS tracking allows us to locate and track movements of parolees – it does not stand alone and it is not a substitution for case management with each offender.

“GPS is a tool that places invaluable information in the hands of the case managers who work with each offender to reduce their risk to the community.

“Community safety is our top priority, so if a parolee contravenes their order, they will be dealt with swiftly, and appropriate contravention action taken.”

“This is the most significant change to the supervision and management of parolees in years and is an important step in our commitment to Queenslanders to deliver safer communities,” Minister Ryan said.

 ENDS

Media contact: Cathie Thompson 0413 372 387