No matter what crime is committed, there are rules to follow when it comes to monitoring. Sex offenders are the most likely group to deal with illegal monitoring after serving their sentence. But what about legal monitoring? Knowing the difference between the two is an important part of being free.
Different Meanings
Sex Offender Monitoring means tracking their movements, habits, and internet history. The point of monitoring is to ensure that specific rules are followed based on the details of their release provided by reliable sex crime attorneys. This includes restraining orders, blacklisted websites, and contact with certain individuals or groups.
The length of monitoring is decided by the courts, and in some situations, a parole officer will have a say on the restrictions. Monitoring helps with compliance but isn’t always a ‘one strike and you’re out’ process. Mistakes are expected, and the choice to rehabilitate helps everyone involved.
Even so, the negative connotation attached to monitoring is hard to escape when you’re a registered sex offender. It doesn’t prevent crimes, yet makes you a target of emboldened individuals and groups.
Officially
The most notable form of Sex Offender Monitoring is the National Sex Offender Registry. There is usually a hard requirement for a convicted sex offender to be part of that list as part of their sentence. Due to the complexity of the program, every state has its own requirements for registration. And if you decide to move, a court hearing is required to reassess your risk level. All of this is part of legal monitoring or at least the manual kind.
GPS monitoring is on an entirely different level and has two types based on the offense committed. Active GPS monitoring requires wearing an ankle bracelet. The monitor communicates with a satellite to provide continuous movement data for law enforcement to record. This is considered real-time monitoring, including the ability to send warning signals when the wearer is breaking the terms of their release.
Passive GPS monitoring doesn’t report in real-time. It collects the data and then uploads it in intervals. This information is then downloaded for review at a later date. Local resources will determine what type of GPS monitoring is used on a sex offender. All of this falls under legal monitoring since it is ordered by the court and authorities associated with the case.
Unofficially
Illegal monitoring is a common thing and often takes place on the civilian level. Individuals that learn about your past may be tempted to harass you on a daily basis. Whether or not you’re a registered sex offender, personal rights are still in place. Harassment includes unwanted GPS tracking, filming, and monitoring your digital history. Vigilantism is a real thing and is illegal regardless of the intent. When your privacy rights are in danger, it has nothing to do with protecting average citizens.
Finding A Middle Ground
It becomes easier to deal with monitoring when you know your personal rights. Dealing with watchful eyes can be difficult, especially when it crosses a legal barrier. If you suspect illegal monitoring, stay calm and let the professionals resolve the situation.
