Ankle Bracelets: Alberta's Step Towards Public Safety

In a move aimed at enhancing public safety and bolstering community protection, Alberta’s government has proposed the implementation of ankle bracelet monitoring for high-risk offenders. The initiative, embedded within Bill 11, the Public Safety Statutes Amendment Act, will signify a significant stride towards a more vigilant and proactive approach to law enforcement in the province.

Under the proposed legislation, individuals subject to court-ordered electronic monitoring conditions would be mandated to wear a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking device on their ankle. This measure, slated to be enforced by a centralized monitoring unit within Alberta Correctional Services, aims to provide round-the-clock surveillance of offenders, ensuring adherence to stipulated bail or community-release conditions.

The impetus behind this initiative stems from the evolving landscape of public safety and policing needs in Alberta. The proposed changes to the Peace Officer Act pave the way for the establishment of an independent police agency tasked with executing police-like functions, currently performed by peace officers in the Alberta Sheriffs department. These functions include fugitive apprehension and surveillance, underscoring the government’s commitment to more efficient and responsive law enforcement strategies.

“The federal government’s bail policies are failing to keep people safe. We are taking an important step toward combatting rising crime, creating safer streets and neighbourhoods, and protecting our communities. Ankle bracelet electronic monitoring is another tool in the toolbox for courts to hold high-risk and repeat offenders accountable for their actions while out on bail,” remarked Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.

The implementation of ankle bracelet electronic monitoring is poised to fortify community supervision efforts, particularly for repeat offenders and those on bail requiring stringent oversight. This initiative not only aligns Alberta with jurisdictions across Canada that have adopted similar programs but also reflects a proactive stance in addressing contemporary law enforcement challenges.

The allocated $5.25 million in funding for electronic monitoring underscores the government’s commitment to investing in innovative solutions aimed at enhancing public safety and curbing recidivism rates. With procurement of ankle bracelet electronic monitoring vendors scheduled for March 2024 and implementation of the 24/7 monitoring unit slated for October 2024, Alberta is poised to embark on a transformative journey towards a safer and more secure society.

The proposed ankle bracelet program holds the promise of safeguarding Albertans and communities by fortifying offender-restricted areas, such as victims’ residences and places of employment, thus mitigating potential risks and ensuring the efficacy of bail or community-release conditions.

As Alberta charts a new course in its approach to public safety, the introduction of ankle bracelet electronic monitoring heralds a paradigm shift towards a more proactive and comprehensive strategy in tackling crime and enhancing community well-being.