Electronic monitoring systems for abusers

Tarica Pulliam’s death is an unfortunate example of a domestic violence case that ended in death.

The district attorney’s office, and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Department are now looking at how they can keep domestic violence victims, safe.

Local law enforcement officers are trying to implement an electronic monitoring system. It would pinpoint the exact location of an abuser who violates a protective order.

Accused offenders would be issued ankle bracelets, similar to what criminals wear under house arrest. Detectives could track their whereabouts via GPS satellite.

Domestic violence advocates say the technology has the ability to warn the victim and law enforcement.

Victims would also be given the option to carry an alert system that would go off if an abuser is near.

The system might offer just a few minutes warning, but victim’s advocates say that could mean the difference between life and death.

Joy Alford-Brand, Assistant District Attorney, 9th District, said, “It would be murder prevention. I really believe that if we had the program it would have prevented Miss Pulliam’s death and the death of so many others.”

Five North Carolina counties have this program in place. It costs about $400,000 – $500,000 and is paid for by the Governor’s Crime Prevention Commission.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office has applied for it twice before, but was turned down.