GPS tracking
Identifying new and innovative solutions to keep victims of domestic and family violence (DFV) safe is a key priority for this government. In response to recommendation 123 of the Not now, not ever report the Queensland Government committed to exploring options to monitor high risk perpetrators of DFV—taking into account the full range of potential technological solutions, including the use of GPS monitoring—and then trialling the most promising model to improve victim safety.
To support this response, Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) was commissioned to conduct research into the use of electronic monitoring of DFV perpetrators in the criminal justice system.
The ANROWS Electronic monitoring in the context of DFV report found the use of GPS monitoring in a DFV context is complex and requires close consideration of significant issues, including technological capability, resourcing, and victim safety.
One of the key findings was that for electronic monitoring to be effective in reducing the likelihood of perpetrators reoffending (recidivism) and increasing victim safety, it cannot be used as a stand-alone method, but as part of an overall case management program incorporating interventions that respond to the risk and needs of individuals.
Information about GPS monitoring and other key findings of the report are contained in the GPS monitoring in the DFV context fact sheet (PDF) (or DOCX).
The Queensland Police Service undertook a trial of GPS monitoring technology using police officers in simulated DFV scenarios. Find out more by reading the DFV GPS-enabled electronic monitoring technology evaluation report (PDF) (or DOCX).