GPS devices to tackle juvenile crime

Courts will be able to order that certain hardcore youth offenders are to be fitted with GPS devices as a condition of bail from Monday 17 May 2021 in the latest instalment of the Palaszczuk Government’s crackdown on youth crime.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said government’s suite of strong new Youth Justice reforms are specifically designed to target hardcore recidivist offenders.

“This trial of GPS monitoring devices gives police and the courts another tool to target the small minority that commit the majority of offences,” the Minister said.

“Courts will be able to order 16 to17-year-olds to wear GPS devices if they are given bail, providing an extra layer of security and increased safety for the community.

“The devices will be monitored around the clock by Queensland Corrective Services who have extensive experience with this technology.” 

The introduction of GPS monitoring devices is part of a $98.4 million funding package to support the crackdown on youth crime.

The package includes:

• a trial of GPS monitoring in Townsville, North Brisbane, Moreton, Logan and the Gold Coast.
• expansion of the joint Police and Youth Justice Co-responder strike teams to North Brisbane and the Gold Coast (in addition to existing Co-Responder teams based in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Moreton and Logan).
• enhanced intensive supervision of young people on bail through the Conditional Bail Program, including weekend and after-hours supervision.
• intensive support for families of children on bail provided by NGOs in communities.
• additional court and legal advocacy services.

These changes are supported by a presumption against bail for certain serious repeat offenders who commit a crime while on bail; and the ability for a court to seek assurances from parents or guardians before an offender is released

Minister Ryan said that the data showed that ten per cent of all youth offenders account for 48 per cent of all youth crime - that’s why we have made these changes.

“It is this group we are targeting with all the legislative and front-line strategies at our disposal,” the Minister said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is investing in strategies to divert young people away from crime in the first place but there are consequences for those who continue to break the law so they are held to account.”

Former Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson will report on the efficacy of the measures in six months and Assistant Police Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon is leading a Youth Crime Taskforce to implement the new measures.

Media Contact: Phil Willmington 0411535180