Satellite monitoring to begin for some sex offenders

Michael F. Easley Governor		Theodis Beck Secretary
North Carolina Department of Correction

For Release:	Contact: Mike Stater
Date: Dec. 29, 2006	Phone: 919 -716-3700

Satellite monitoring to begin for certain sex offenders RALEIGH – A new state law making certain sex offenders subject to satellite-based monitoring takes effect Monday, Jan. 1. Sex offenders who are subject to monitoring will report to local probation offices in their county of residence to be outfitted with the proper equipment, said Robert Guy, Community Corrections Director. The Division of Community Corrections will use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to monitor certain sex offenders as required by House Bill 1896, which passed in August. Offenders first must be registered in one of three categories: sexual predator, sexual recidivist or those who have committed aggravated sexual offenses. There are approximately 10,000 registered sex offenders in the state but only a small portion of those are subject to satellite based monitoring. The Division of Community Corrections will initially acquire equipment to monitor up to 300 sex offenders. The law requires sex offenders in those three categories to submit to GPS monitoring which will continue for the rest of their lives. # # #