QPS tracking device system is world-class
I REFER to articles published in yesterday’s Gold Coast Bulletin on pages 1, 4, 5 and 18 regarding GPS tracking devices to monitor court-bailed defendants.
On March 31, 2018, amendments to the Bail Act came into effect, permitting the courts to impose a GPS tracking condition on a defendant granted bail.
GPS tracking (electronic monitoring) for bail offenders is merely an additional tool for persons who have already been considered suitable for release on bail by the presiding court.
The tracking devices are continuously monitored in real time (live), with police tasked to respond whenever a bail condition zone is breached.
This could include zones the defendant is not allowed to enter or not allowed to leave, or curfew requirements.
A system is in place where the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is notified of breaches in real time.
The tracking devices also alert the monitoring centre if they are tampered with and action is taken against anyone who tampers with or causes damage to the devices.
The devices are currently monitored by a service provider in the United Kingdom and the alert system is close to instantaneous.
The QPS supplies and fits defendants with tracking devices at police watchhouses.
Stock of tracking devices is available on demand and dispatched from Brisbane to the nominated fitting watchhouse. This process was implemented to inform the level of demand for devices across the state, which was critical to obtain accurate data.
This will assist with future contract negotiations in determining the location and quantity of devices to be pre-positioned.
The QPS is using a world-class system taking into account the rapid changes in technology.
The QPS is always looking to continuously improve systems to ensure best practice, including advancements in technology.
The QPS continues to evolve its submissions to the courts to ensure magistrates are best placed to make orders focused on the safety of the community, and the individual circumstances of each case.
This is particularly relevant to the fitting of tracking devices, where appropriate.
I hope this information clears a number of misconceptions which have been published in relation to GPS tracking devices.