Alberta is keeping a promise to improve community safety with a new ankle bracelet monitoring program. The program addresses issues created by Ottawa’s bail system, often criticized as a “catch-and-release” policy.
Starting January 15, Alberta could require high-risk and repeat offenders to wear GPS ankle monitors. These devices allow Alberta Correctional Services to supervise offenders 24/7 as part of their court-ordered conditions.
“Ottawa’s Bill C-75 has broken the bail system,” said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services. “We are taking an important step toward combating rising crime. High-risk offenders pose a significant risk to public safety and require enhanced supervision in the community. As government, it’s our duty to protect Albertans and their communities. Ankle bracelet electronic monitoring is another tool in the toolbox for courts to consider when determining sentencing or bail conditions, helping us combat rising crime and create safer Alberta communities.”
The program was announced as part of the 2024 Public Safety Statutes Amendments Act. Additionally, it ensures consistent supervision of offenders on bail or community release. Offenders under court-ordered monitoring must wear a GPS tracking device. A new unit within Alberta Correctional Services will oversee the program.
Ankle monitors will help enforce conditions like staying away from victims’ homes or workplaces. They also strengthen community safety by allowing probation officers to monitor offenders outside regular business hours. Previously, supervision relied on check-ins and did not include GPS tracking.
“Alberta’s government continues to call for federal bail and sentencing reform to stop violent criminals from re-entering our communities,” said Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. “We remain committed to prioritizing the safety of Albertans through measures like the use of ankle monitors, strengthening the Crown Prosecution Service, the courts, and policing to protect Albertans from violent criminals.”
The government consulted stakeholders and selected SCRAM Systems as the technology vendor. The program is supported by $2.8 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
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