GPS locators will be attached to paroled child-sex offenders to ensure they do not stray into forbidden areas such as schools or parks.
From August, 11 high-risk offenders would be monitored 24 hours a day by global positioning systems (GPS) placed in ankle bracelets, Corrections Minister Anne Tolley announced this morning.
Mrs Tolley said they would allow Corrections staff to track the movements of people on extended supervision orders or parole, and meant they could intervene if the person strayed into "exclusion zones" - parks, schools, or other specific locations.
The number of monitored people would be up to 90 by the end of the year and 200 by 2013.
Inmates facing release would be included in the scheme, as well as offenders already released into the community.
Mrs Tolley said: "We need to stay one step ahead of these people and this proactive approach with more advanced technology allows us to reduce the risks to the public."
"Existing electronic monitoring only works while an offender is in a set location, such as at home. GPS will now allow us to keep track of high-risk offenders at all times and intervene if they are in, or close to, exclusion zones."
The Government has set a goal of cutting reoffending by a quarter by 2017.
- Isaac Davison, New Zealand Herald
