O.C. to Track Sex Criminals With GPS

LAT ^ | 12/23/01 | STUART PFEIFER

[Jhoffa_]

O.C. to Track Sex Criminals With GPS Probation: A satellite tracking system will help monitor freed offenders around the clock. Critics say the plan smacks of Big Brother.

Since it's an LAT Piece, you can view the rest HERE

[Jhoffa_]

This is a great idea, and it's already done in a similar manner with a "leg cuff" attached to a device that plugs into the telephone line for those under house arrest.

BUT, bad as I dislike Sex Offenders, I am worried that maybe chip implantation might become a condition of parole/probation in the future. (Orange County plans to use a braclet)

Since the technology is there I bet someone, somewhere in Government is itching to use it.

Like for those who break big laws and are clearly a danger to society.. always an easy sell.

You know the ones I mean. Sex Offenders, Assault Weapon Ban Violators, Abortion Clinic Protesters and others who pose a clear and present danger to us all.

[Eala]

I am worried that maybe chip implantation might become a condition of parole/probation in the future. (Orange County plans to use a braclet)

Since the technology is there

Actually, I don't think it is. GPS systems require, for example, an antenna that is somewhat larger than a "chip." And there is the problem of powering (body-)internal devices.

The implantable RF ID tags (little larger than a chip) have been around for at least a decode now, and I'm sure there have been improvements, but they're still basically transponders with limited range.

[TLI]

And DWI offenders, as the GPS would also indicate how fast the "offender" is moving and can indicate their presence in a beer joint or package store. Weapons "violations", hey we could plot out all sporting good stores that carry ammo.. and, and, and.....

[Dust in the Wind]

You might check this (Next: An ID Chip Planted in Your Body?) thread out.

[Real Cynic No More]

It sure would be nice if there weren't unnecessary abbreviations in these headlines. On my original read, I couldn't figure out why Tony Soprano would be interested in GPS.

These articles are also confusing as to location. One has to read the article to know what "O.C." is. And then once it is determined to be Orange County, one has to read still further to find out it is probably Orange County, California, since the article mentions Los Angeles.

[tbeatty]

The implantable RF ID tags (little larger than a chip) have been around for at least a decode now, and I'm sure there have been improvements, but they're still basically transponders with limited range.

The range is limited to about 2 feet or less. These devices are powered by the detector. The detector wand passes over the device, powers it up with RF energy and reads it. This requirement limits it's range to an extremely small distance.

[isthisnickcool]

Sounds like a good idea. Except that there whould be a cuff on both ankles and both wrists. They should be equipped with something that could detect other people being within a few feet. And the first time nobody else was around they should explode. Severing the hands and feet.

That's my rehabilitation holiday wish for sex offenders:)

[Uni-Poster]

Interesting use for a Lo-Jack. Installation must be a bitch.

[I_Love_My_Husband]

I agree with that. Forever.

[WackyKat]

First they implanted the chips in the sex offenders, then....

[Jhoffa_]

hey we could plot out all sporting good stores that carry ammo.. and, and, and.....

And, AND, AND..

Exactly.. You got it.

It's the "and" part of this that's frightning.