05/06/05

These 'Global Positioning System' (GPS) monitors are the latest rage in crime-fighting. Jurisdictions in half the states are reportedly using them. The Journal of Offender Monitoring (yes, that's its name) estimates the monitored population at 120,000. Lawmakers promote GPS as high-tech medievalism, a way to get tough on perverts who can't be kept in jail. But the economics of the 'offender-monitoring industry' tell a different story. Most jurisdictions are buying GPS not to confine criminals, but to release them...

http://www.slate.com/id/2118117/

from Slate, by William Saletan


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp