GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing?
 

Go to the link and read the story and see the video.

I thought it sounded pretty good... then at the end of the video they say it's a pilot program that they want to expand to drug offenders and "deadbeat dads"! Whoa!!!! Gotta rethink this! Where will it stop?

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2011/...sex-offenders/

“On the policing side, it’s really important for the community to know that once these bracelets are put on these guys the police can watch them 24/7,”

“These particular offenders we know where they are 24/7, the police patrol with purpose,” Zappala said. “If you have children especially, I think that’s really significant.”

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

Bad idea. I oppose anything that takes away our freedoms. Parents should be watching their children and don't talk to strangers. Common sense. Check the resources that are online for registered offenders.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

I see it as completely unnecessary; there are already programs like Family Watchdog that parents can access to know who is living in their neighborhood.

Also, considering the statistics, it isn't strangers that children need to fear.

"90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way; 68% are abused by family members."--Source

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

It doesn't say strangers though. It's the fact that they will repeat the offense - nearly all of them, if allowed opportunity.

In addition to the red forbidden zones, the authorities could watch if they are loitering in areas that are residential and make sure they aren't watching children.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

Of course this "sex offender" or "pedophile" label applies to all sorts of unique situations, which would include a man who has sex with an underage minor (15 years old).

I see ZERO redemption in the system for sex offenders. None at all. We've written them off. Some of the pedos that have mental disorders will probably repeat their crime. Even those with sexual addictions. But I think the numbers we've seen on pedos repeating deserves closer scrutiny and action. And if they are forever labeled and written off, why would they redeem themselves?

Many first offenders serve prison sentences ranging from 5-25 years, then on strict probation terms, then they are forever on sites like Meagan's List and required to register wherever they live, which will be an issue because of the restrictions concerning where they live. It's a permanent crime for them. No redemption in the process.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

I don't dispute any of this. It's a permanent crime for them... do you suggest more leniency?

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

I'm not sure. Leniency may not be how I describe it. But I think the system, as it is, does not offer enough opportunity for redemption. And as a believer, that makes me sad.

I know victims and those who have victimized, and have compassion for both. Once you know the people, their stories, their cycles and their life, it reads like the ultimate story of human brokenness.

I know guys that I think would be more prone to react again and guys that made a dumb choice -- all grouped together.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

They always start out with one of those "well that's just good for them" groups and then mosey slowly over to your house.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

Yeah... I guess...

Many of the measures are intended to be protective more than punitive, which is where the government may be flexing bigger than it should -- and communities and families should take more responsibility.

I guess you know these individuals personally, listen to their stories, pray with them and hurt with them... it's a different game. They are still in the image of God, still image bearers and still loved by Him. A 20-year old having sex with a 15-year old is in this same category, btw.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

:thumbsup

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

A few years ago I was followed by a delusional stalker. I requested, and was denied, an alarm system that would require him to wear an anklet (like those on house arrest) and me to carry a buzzer that would notify me or authorities of his proximity. I was told at the time it was too invasive to him. (Poor man.)

I don't think it's a good idea for all pedophiles or drug offenders to wear tracking devices. I do think that people who've broken parole, repeatedly skipped out on child support, or have been in multiple times or been in for violent crimes should be considered for them. And if someone is proving to be a threat to another particular individual, then an alarm system like I've described could be very helpful. In that case it wouldn't be a tracking device, just a notification to the individual (or 911) that the threatening person was in their area, set off only by proximity of the two devices being carried (feedback between the two devices would set off a notification).

A tracking device would be a lot cheaper way of policing in certain cases, and a decent alternative to longer prison terms or those at high risk of becoming repeat offenders.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

Maybe some of our esteemed attorneys can answer this. Because we don't want to infringe on the pedophiles rights.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

What rights? If it's a condition for parole, they could always exercise their "right" to be in prison...

If a molester gets 20 years and at 15 years he has the option of getting out with one of these devices, I can't imagine it could be infringement in any real way.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

Oh, as a condition of parole? Not a bad idea for some, I agree.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

I imagine most of these are out on parole.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

Yes, I don't know what I was thinking about.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

Pedophiles should indeed be monitored. I would suggest an implant.

The implant could easily be implanted into the brain of the pedophile offender.

They could be manufactured in two sizes. One in a 22 caliber model. If this implant fails to keep the offender in check the 45 caliber model should be implanted.

The 45 caliber model rarely fails.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

For stalkers it wouldn't be parole (if someone could arrange for the stalking alarm system I described) and if it was used to track "dead beat dads" then they wouldn't be parolees either. Still, when someone violates the rights of others, IMO they automatically surrender some of their own.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

Not that I don't believe in rehabilitation, but what is the best indicator of future behavior?
Past behavior. And some pedophiles say they can't help themselves.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

One was already caught trying to remove the anklet. Rehabilitation is fine. They can be rehabilitated with an anklet on, surely? It's easy enough to hide under a pant leg, not like wearing a scarlet "A" on their chests. And an anklet isn't a permanent fixture... after five years or ten (whatever number, dependent on the crime), they could be reconsidered.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

You know, MM, stalkers escalate in their behavior usually. That is very scary, especially when restraining or protective orders don't work.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

Yes, it is. And a simple device like this could, in cases of stalking, save lives. Problem is, stalkers aren't considered criminals until AFTER they attack someone, unless evidence is very clear and they are convicted of criminal threat. Even if criminal threat is proven, not nearly enough is often done. Restraining orders and protective orders don't stop some types of stalkers. The stalker gets the order and sees one last barrier he has to cross to prove his "love" or to get what he wants.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

These GPS trackers have already been used for some time.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

Do you mean tracking them, as opposed to shooting them? HMMM ,ill have to think about that some more.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

thats a horrible thing to say

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

Given some of the scenarios you outlined earlier (stautory rape) I agree.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

I guess I'll be the radical here on AFF and take it a step further.

For a believer and follower of Jesus to have such a low view of the sanctity of life, dismiss other image bearers and be so flippant with another's soul, I find it detestable and evil to hear them shout "crucify him" or make an off-the-cuff remark about "shooting them."

Sickening to me. And quite sad. This goes even beyond one's position in the debate on Capital Punishment.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

It is appalling

Same folks who are ardent over the rights of the unborn and will tell you how to vote .. it's a hypocrisy I cannot reconcile

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

My father was prolife, and while conservative, he was also against capital punishment. I am not personally against capital punishment and think the state has the right to punish... However, I am not sure Christians should be rallying the troops for capital punishment.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

I'd get along well with your father :thumbsup

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

I don't think this is a good idea.

It's overkill.

If the pedophile was making an attempt to live a normal healthy life, this would be a huge mental hindrance.


We should not keep punishing people once they have been punished and have served their time.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

Served their time JD? ,no the victim is serving their time (for life).Have you ever known of a pedofile who has been cured ? I havent,they have entire PODS in the state prisons for these perverts(they wouldnt survive any other way) and the things they have done are not even printed in the newspapers ,my son was a prison guard and he could make you puke with the accounts of their crimes.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

I don't want to know their crimes.

Everyone deserves a second chance.

Because it seems that most pedophiles will repeat if not held to a stricter accountability code does not mean that ALL will repeat and it does not mean that they should have a GPS attached to their person at all times.

If that's what you want, then you're a person that's wanting an expansion of government into the everyday lives of Americans that would be completely unprecedented.

The same GPS used on them will be used on those who cry the loudest for overkill in matters like this.


Give people the chance to live, or just kill them and be done with it. At least in countries like Iran, the condemned won't suffer but for so long.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

Amazing Grace...


Even when the world writes you off...

Their recovery isn't one-dimensional. Even the self-righteous convicts treat them as a low life, abuse them, etc... DA's, probation officers, judges -- even ACLU attorney's are skiddish of defending any parole situations where something shady is going down in fear of "defending of pedophile." It's a lifelong stigma. They wear it. It's over their head. We pound that in their mind and hearts that they are pedophiles.

It's also important to realize the difference between those with mental disorders that are pedos, and others.

I knew a guy who was hooked on porn, depressed, addicted to drugs and separated from his wife. His best friend asked him to babysit his 3-year old daughter. One time having a child walk in while you are aroused and high as a kite... not defending him, but understanding how sinful and selfish we can be in a moment. The young guy rubbed his genitals on this young child. Horrible. Victimizing. But the system took his life. From the DA's, to the inmates, later after being released the homeless shelter friends, family, everywhere he went. Eventually the young guy had a nervous breakdown, and... went insane. He's being treated at one of the worst institutions in our state. I have already confirmed that this young man is being raped and abused, while guards and other inmates look the other way.

If these guys never change, we shouldn't think it's such an easy explanation. There is no redemption for ANY of them.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

Clearly, whether they get a second chance does depend on what their crime was, IMO.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

That is what life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty is for.

If we are going to jail and eventually release our offenders, we need to give them at the bare minimum a good shot at living a normal life once they have served their time.

If additional accountability is warranted, so be it. I'm not against common sense precautions and procedures to protect the general public.

GPS on offenders who have served their time is out of bounds and unconstitutional.


In America, offenders have rights too-- even the more despicable offenders.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

Sad story for all parties involved.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

I believe God changes humans.

I believe that humans have the power to change, even if by their own free will alone.

I believe humans have the ability to be changed by whoever or wahtever they allow themselves to be subject to.

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

Ok I misunderstood.

I tend to agree, I would rather see one serve 30 yrs than be out in 15 on "good behavior" with an ankle GPS. The GPS does sound like an infringement of rights I guess...

Re: GPS Tracking of Pedophiles, is it a Good Thing
 

From what I've read, prison is not the best method of rehabilitation for many offenders. Prison protects non-offenders, and groups offenders together in a controlled environment, but when the offenders are released they have to start life over again with lower employability (which contributes to higher crime) and so forth. Pedophiles are also treated the worst by other criminals within the prison system because even a murderer looks down on a pedophile (so I've heard/read/understood). An anklet doesn't stop a person from getting a job or doing any certain tasks; it only monitors the person to prevent the crime--without imprisonment for the crime. There's a good possibility that this will become the prison of the future-imagine a world where molesters are kept from places children gather, people charged with drug possession/dealing are monitored by a similar device to track blood chemistry, DUIs have to take a breathalizer to start their cars... there would still be crime, but certain crimes could be stopped or hindered quickly and with little government cost compared to prison.

Not saying I completely agree, but I think it will happen eventually.