A10

Rob Moore

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Our government recently introduced a new tool that will help authorities track offenders even after their prison term has been served.

Police and victims groups have been requesting electronic monitoring for parolees for years now.

Our government has listened to their concerns, and we have delivered.

For the first time, federal offenders will be subject to electronic monitoring.

The electronic monitoring system will function by having an offender wear an ankle bracelet with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver that reports its position to a monitoring network.

Correctional Service Canada (CSC) will be alerted whenever an offender violates conditions such as curfews, residency or location restrictions.

Alerts will also be issued should the offender tamper with or fail to charge the device. Following an alert, appropriate action will be taken and the police may be called as required.

A breach of conditions will result in a reassessment as to whether an offender's release in the community will be continued.

Depending on the nature of the breach, an offender maybe returned to a federal prison.

This initiative complements the Tackling Violent Crime Act which came into force earlier this year.

This legislation provides for better monitoring of offenders who have reached the end of their sentences, and have been released into the community, but still require police supervision.

Offender accountability is a key component of our government's efforts to reform Canada's corrections system. With the introduction of electronic monitoring, police will be able to monitor offenders after their sentences have been served. This is just one more way our government is ensuring the safety of Canada's streets and communities.

I invite you to visit my website at http://www.robmooremp.com to keep up with developments in Ottawa. I also enjoy hearing from constituents and welcome your feedback and questions on issues important to you at moorer@parl.gc.ca.

* Rob Moore is MP for Fundy Royal. His column appears biweekly in Riverview This Week. To reach him, please e-mail moorer@parl.gc.ca.