Alberta has launched a GPS monitoring program to track high-risk and repeat offenders. The program, part of the Safe Street Action Plan, allows courts to require GPS ankle bracelet monitoring as a condition of bail or sentencing.
The program, which officially started January 15, introduces 24-7 location tracking through Alberta Correctional Services. A centralized monitoring unit will oversee offenders’ compliance with court-ordered restrictions, such as avoiding victims’ residences, workplaces, or other designated areas.
Previously, individuals under provincial bail or community release conditions were supervised primarily during regular business hours, without GPS tracking.
"High-risk offenders require enhanced supervision in the community," Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis said. "This program is an important tool to combat rising crime and create safer Alberta communities."
The program was introduced under the Public Safety Statutes Amendment Act of 2024 and is part of broader efforts to address concerns about repeat offenders and gaps in federal bail supervision policies. Officials have emphasized that offenders released on bail who are at a high risk of reoffending present significant risks to public safety.
The Alberta government allocated $2.8 million to implement the program for the 2024-25 fiscal year. A total of $5.25 million has been budgeted to support the initiative into 2025-26. SCRAM Systems was selected as the vendor through an open procurement process, and its contract will run until March 31, 2029.
The program aligns Alberta with 10 other provinces and territories that operate similar electronic monitoring programs, including British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Ontario. Correctional Services Canada also uses GPS monitoring technology for federal offenders.
Individuals subject to the program will receive detailed information about its requirements, including continuous location tracking. Probation officers will continue supervising offenders through tools such as regular reporting, community referrals, and cooperation with police.
Justice Minister Mickey Amery said the program is part of Alberta’s broader effort to strengthen public safety. “We remain committed to protecting Albertans and ensuring accountability for high-risk offenders,” Amery said.
The GPS monitoring initiative was first announced in March 2024. At the time, officials said the program was designed to address repeat offenders and protect communities by helping courts monitor compliance with conditions like avoiding restricted areas.
Funding for the program builds on previous provincial budgets and incorporates feedback from consultations with stakeholders.
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