WASHINGTON, May 14 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. state of California plans to map the homes of nearly 2,000 sexual offenders by using Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology to certify they are staying far enough from schools, local media reported on Sunday.
"We will use whatever technology we can to make sure they are in compliance with all state laws and guidelines," said James Tilton, acting secretary of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
High-risk sex offenders will be monitored to ensure they are living at least a kilometer away from schools, in accordance with California's law, Tilton said.
According to the department, parole agents will begin using GPS technology this week to measure the distance between schools and residences of 1,808 high-risk sex offenders.
And as part of a pilot program, 417 high-risk offenders will wear GPS electronic ankle bracelets that will make it easier for parole agents to track and monitor their movement. The device sends an alert when an offender goes into forbidden zones.
The state classifies a person as a high-risk offender based upon previous offenses. Enditem
