NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – A proposed pilot program to curb violent crime that would require repeat offenders to wear a real-time GPS monitoring device while out on bail is gaining popularity in the state.
Rep. GA Hardaway Sr. (D-Memphis) told News 2 he is working with Memphis authorities to first launch a local pilot program that will implement GPS monitoring for repeat offenders of violent and property crimes. He will then present data from that program to Tennessee lawmakers in hopes of passing a statewide law.
“Innocent, law-abiding citizens are being locked up, locked in their own homes, and criminals are running free in the streets,” said Rep. Hardaway. “We must do something now to stop this.”
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According to the Memphis Police Chief, 40% of people arrested in the city are repeat offenders. Hardaway believes that number can be reduced if repeat offenders are required to wear a live GPS device.
The initiative to require GPS trackers for repeat offenders would be an extension of a recently passed state law co-sponsored by Hardaway that requires certain domestic violence offenders to wear a GPS tracker while out on bail. Hardaway told News 2 he has advocated for the law for years and was encouraged to pursue it after a Nashville police officer was ambushed and killed by a domestic violence offender years ago.
“If the perpetrator had had a GPS tracker on him, we would have been looking for him at the ex's house long before he showed up. And if he had the GPS on, we would have known for sure that there was danger lurking there. And the officer who responded could have reacted differently and might still be alive today,” Hardaway said.
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The main goal of the pilot program, which involves tracking repeat offenders using GPS, is to save lives. However, Hardaway said that GPS tracking would also deter repeat offenders from engaging in gang activities because other gang members do not want police to know their whereabouts. In addition, crime rates would decrease, which in turn can help boost business in the state, among other benefits.
“These investments are necessary if companies and businesses are to be successful,” Hardaway said. “Nobody wants to do business in a high-crime environment, customers don't want to show up and only leave the house when absolutely necessary.”
Hardaway already has the support of judges, several district attorneys and other Memphis officials to launch the pilot program that would extend GPS monitoring requirements to all violent repeat offenders, the lawmaker said.
The next steps include obtaining a cost estimate to implement the program. Hardaway hopes the program can be funded by various stakeholders in Tennessee, including the state, municipalities, sports teams and chambers of commerce.
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Hardaway plans to present data from the pilot program to lawmakers sometime in the next legislative session, which begins in January 2025.
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