GPS Tracking to Warn Domestic-Violence Victims in Florida

Judges in Orange and Osceola counties in Central Florida have started a pilot program where domestic violence offenders are assigned GPS bracelets.

Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr. of the 9th Circuit Court, who announced the Domestic Violence GPS Program, says the GPS-tracking devices will give domestic-violence victims time to seek police protection or to get out of harm’s way in the event abusers ignore restraining orders against them.

GPS-tracking will only be allowed in the highest-risk cases, and GPS bracelets will be issued to potentially dangerous offenders as part of a permanent injunction starting February 14.

Victims to carry their own mobile devices that alert them anytime their attacker is within 500 feet of them, and 2,500 feet of their home, job or school.

The one-year pilot program costs $300,000 and could cost about $510,000 to run annually if continued, says Judge Perry. The cost is a small price to pay to save lives, according to the judge.

Lake Mary Deputy Mayor Jo Ann Lucarelli, a victim of domestic violence from a neighbor several years ago, says she hopes the program would be expanded into Seminole county in the future.