The New York State Senate passed legislation, cosponsored by Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District), that would require registered level 3 sex offenders to be monitored by global positioning system (GPS) technology.
"Level 3 sex offenders are the most dangerous type of sexual predator, and are likely to commit their crimes again," said Senator Fuschillo. "It is imperative that we use the best available technology to monitor their whereabouts in order to protect all of our citizens."
Under this legislation, individuals who are registered under Megan's Law and designated by the court as Level 3 offenders would be required to wear GPS ankle bracelets, giving parole officers and probation officials the ability to track them in "real time". Current law permits electronic monitoring for those on probation or parole, but does not require it for all level 3 offenders registered under Megan's Law.
According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, there are over 5,000 registered level 3 sex offenders residing in communities throughout New York State, including almost 200 in Nassau and Suffolk counties combined. The total number of registered sex offenders is over 20,000 statewide.
"Considering the heinous nature of sexual abuse and abduction, we must employ every available tool to help keep our children safe. GPS technology cannot only help law enforcement to identify offenders who are frequenting locations where children congregate but it can also help to locate a child who has been abducted and may be in grave danger," said Laura A. Ahearn, Executive Director of Parents for Megan's Law.
"By requiring these convicted offenders to wear GPS ankle bracelets, we will create an additional deterrent, preventing them from committing another offense, and give authorities a method to quickly track these individuals when a crime is committed," Senator Fuschillo added.
The legislation has been delivered to the Assembly.
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