By Matt Wynn
The World-Herald
OMAHA, Neb.— Ankle monitors, the telltale sign of a person who’s been on the wrong side of the law, just might get a lot more visible as Nebraska looks for ways to turn out more prisoners out onto the street. But while law enforcement officials and lawmakers hope the technology can keep better track of more convicts, Nebraska has a lot of wrinkles to iron out before expanding its use.
Some in law enforcement caution against increased reliance on the devices. “There are some things that are probably going to fall through the cracks, and they’re going to fall to us,” said Jim Maguire, president of the deputies union for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Two prospective bills in the Nebraska Legislature look to expand the use of the “electronic monitoring.” One bill, being drafted by the Omaha Police Department and searching for a sponsor, would put monitoring bracelets on parolees convicted of violent gun crimes for up to six months. Another, sponsored by State Sen. Brad Ashford, would free up prison space by releasing offenders early — if they agree to wear the tracking units. Both would represent a dramatic shift in how the state uses electronic monitoring.
Full Story: Should Nebraska step up its use of electronic ankle bracelets?