Means of protection

     This is particularly meaningful for low-risk offenders who have made mistakes and are being held accountable. Hastings notes SecureAlert is exploring necklace and watch-type GPS devices for lower risk and juvenile offenders. "We'd don't want to send them to criminal college and keep them in the system when we have an opportunity to keep them out."

Struggling to comply

     Good technology can save money in the long term, but it is costly in the short. Allen stresses that GPS funding needs to "get there" so it can be used. Perhaps some agencies will route Byrne allocations to these means. But until then, states need monetary help in order to comply with mandates like the Bischoff Law that are designed to protect.

     It's only a matter of time before GPS tracking devices can be used widely and intelligently to stave off repeat offenses. Some agencies are working now to put more tracking devices on offenders. And until telepathy and super-human speed come standard to law enforcement officers, it could be among the best tools they have.