Reintegration with freedom for registered sex offenders in California

By Arti Parmar

In the state of California, some sex offenders are released from prisons and placed on parole supervision. The purpose of parole supervision is to successfully reintegrate the paroled population into the communities in California, sometimes expanding to supervision outside of California in certain specific circumstances.

Although programs to manage supervised persons who move out of state are a longstanding effort, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO), is striving to do more. CDCR’s Sex Offender Management Program (SOMP), a program created in 2014 to incorporate a collaborative approach to sex offender management and supervision, has dramatically improved the outcomes for this critical need.

SOMP meets the statutory requirements outlined in California Penal Code (PC) Section 3008, known as Chelsea’s Law, and PC Section 290. SOMP is an evidence-based approach for sex offender management utilizing the “Containment Model,” which entails four elements:

1. Supervision
2. Treatment
3. Polygraph assessments
4. Victim advocacy.

Jessica’s Law, passed in Florida in 2005, mandates lifetime electronic monitoring for sex offenders and aims to protect potential victims. Similar laws have been enacted in California and other states. California’s 2006 version increased penalties, extended parole supervision for certain offenses, and required lifelong GPS monitoring for high-risk sex offenders. DAPO is working to expand those requirements.

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Sex offenders under the supervision of DAPO mutually agrees and signs their Conditions of Parole to accept GPS monitoring as a part of their supervision and are prohibited from tampering with or removing the GPS device pursuant to PC 3010.10. Ensuring that sex offenders are on GPS monitors is crucial for public safety, rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. GPS allows parole agents and law enforcement agencies to track an offender’s movements, ensuring compliance with residency restrictions while mitigating the risk of recidivism. Monitoring a supervised person, though, is not enough. Maintaining family connections is essential for rehabilitation. Support from family can provide stability, accountability and a structured environment that reduces the likelihood of reoffending. Without family and program support, many offenders struggle with homelessness and isolation, which can increase risks to both them and the community.

A goal of the CDCR–DAPO is to assist with rehabilitation and reduce the rate of recidivism. While DAPO retains the supervised sex offenders on a GPS tracking device, GPS monitoring facilitates the possibility of transferring outside of California when appropriate, as some sex offenders may have better support in other states while complying with legal requirements.

The Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS) allows eligible offenders to transfer to other states with the sending state’s conditions of supervision, restrictions and a recommended supervision or treatment plan. Many other states nationally, however, do not have appropriate funding for GPS tracking and reporting. This creates a hardship with the inability to approve interstate transfer requests due to the lack of GPS supervision resources by other states, creating a potential for sex offenders to not successfully reintegrate into the community.

Today, though, artificial intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role in transforming traditional GPS devices into modern, feature-rich tools that are lightweight, aesthetically appealing and user-friendly. This article examines the necessity of continuous GPS monitoring for registered sex offenders and explores how AI-supported biometric health tracking can enhance monitoring devices by year 2031. These advancements offer a model that other states can replicate to improve community safety, ensure effective tracking of high-risk offenders, and support successful reintegration.

Why should registered sex offenders be on GPS monitoring?

Changes in sentencing laws, early release programs and criminal justice reforms have led to sex offenders being released from prison earlier than their original sentence intended, even for severe crimes. These changes are often driven by policies intended to reduce prison overcrowding and incentives for the incarcerated population to receive milestone credits toward early release. In 2011, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 109, referred to as the prison realignment, which altered sentencing and the post-prison supervision for offenders. The realignment led to localizing low-level felony violators in county jails instead of prisons, allowing some offenders to transition to mandatory supervision instead of custody time.

Earning early release credits, initiated through 2016’s Proposition 57, allowed certain offenders to seek parole supervision earlier. While sex offenses were considered violent crimes pursuant to PC 667.5, loopholes in classification meant that sex offenders were eligible for early release or alternative sentencing. In addition to changes to the conditions facilitating an early release into the community, good conduct credits expanded the ability of incarcerated persons to earn early release credits for good behavior, participating in rehabilitation programs, or completing educational courses while in custody. As a result, sentences have been reduced when good conduct credits are earned for offenders in California prisons, to include offenders convicted of sex crimes.

Given the risks of recidivism associated with early release, GPS monitoring provides law enforcement with essential oversight, supports family reunification for rehabilitation and helps protect public safety. It also ensures compliance with relocation and transfer processes, particularly for those seeking to move out of California. Without strict GPS supervision, the unintended consequences of Prop 57 could expose communities to preventable harm, undermining the law’s goal of responsible reform. A new generation of GPS devices now offers advanced features and real-time tracking — a potential game-changer for both law enforcement and the individuals under supervision.

The implementation of discreet biometric GPS bracelets represents a significant advancement over traditional GPS ankle monitors, providing enhanced monitoring, discreet appearance and health benefits that can improve both public safety and the successful reintegration of offenders into society. By combining cutting-edge technology with GPS tracking, the bracelet can serve as a more humane and effective approach to post-release supervision for California’s supervised persons.

Allowing a discreet GPS device will enable self-confidence in offenders with reintegration and minimize biases from society while authorities track offenders in real-time. GPS tracking can potentially deter reoffending by making offenders aware that they are constantly being monitored and allows for rapid intervention if they approach restricted areas or potential victims. The need for a discreet GPS device is critical because it reduces the potential for stigma and desire to tamper with or remove the device. A discreet design will encourage compliance from offenders while avoiding drawing unnecessary attention.

According to the National Institute of Justice, “A study of people in California at high-risk for committing sex offenses while on parole found that those placed on GPS monitoring had significantly lower recidivism rates than those who received traditional supervision.” The cost of monitoring an offender in California is approximately $35.96 a day, while traditional supervision costs $24.75 a day. Although GPS supervision is $8.51 more than traditional supervision, it is more effective, and offenders comply with the terms of parole supervision at a higher rate, according to the NIJ.

Are all sex offenders monitored on GPS in California?

Not all registered sex offenders convicted in California are placed on GPS monitoring during community supervision. This is due to classification differences between high-risk and non-high-risk offenders. Additionally, limited funding for community supervision agencies restricts their ability to purchase GPS devices, maintain monitoring systems, and staff oversight operations. As a result, some offenders remain unsupervised, including those who are unhoused and living on the streets. These gaps in monitoring policies raise significant public safety concerns in California and across the country.

ICAOS governs the transfer of sex offenders between states, ensuring that offenders comply with supervising rules in both the sending and receiving states. However, a critical flaw in this system is the lack of uniform GPS monitoring requirements, which means that sex offenders transferring out of California may no longer be tracked if the receiving state either lacks GPS resources or does not require GPS monitoring for their sex offenders.

The risks to the community when sex offenders are not monitored via GPS include loss of supervision continuity, lack of uniform tracking standards and limited law enforcement oversight. When offenders are on GPS supervision in California, they are accustomed to monitoring. When they move to a state without GPS requirements, the risk of non-compliance increases, leading to the possibility of reoffending. Some offenders may deliberately seek transfer to another state with weaker monitoring requirements, knowing they will face less scrutiny. Without GPS data, law enforcement agencies may struggle with enforcing exclusion zones (staying away from schools, parks and victims).

Solutions ensure effectiveness and accountability to address the GPS gap

Research on this issue is consistent with the findings of an expert panel convened by the author in August 2024 that concluded the most effective ways to ensure consistent oversight. Several policy measures should be considered:

1. Mandating GPS monitoring as a condition for interstate transfers. California and other states can push for an Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS) policy change requiring that offenders continue GPS monitoring post-transfer if it was a condition of their parole supervision. Currently, the sending state can have signed conditions of parole in place requiring the offender to be on GPS supervision; however, the receiving state has discretion to supervise the offender as they would their own based on their state laws. This can result in the receiving state not requiring GPS supervision. If the biometric devices were implemented, the ability to monitor outgoing offenders would mitigate the GPS supervision gap as they would continue to be monitored by their California agents via a specialized caseload. This modernized solution enhances reintegration, collaboration, and effective parole supervision. All states need to enhance custody and release laws to fund a national standard for GPS tracking of sex offenders. States that cannot afford GPS tracking should seek federal funding to ensure that transferred offenders remain monitored.
2. Law enforcement agencies should work together nationwide to enhance data sharing and implement a national GPS tracking system. This would allow different states to access real-time tracking data, preventing offenders from being at large and possibly violating again. Lack of monitoring of sex offenders presents a serious challenge when GPS monitoring is not universally required and financially feasible.
3. States should incorporate a biometric GPS bracelet for effective supervision, rehabilitation, and health monitoring. By offering a discreet design, tamper-proof security, and integrated health benefits, this technology allows offenders to reintegrate into society successfully while still ensuring public safety. Transitioning from traditional ankle monitors that come with stigma and struggles due to the look and size, biometric bracelets present a progressive shift in parole management, reinforcing the balance between accountability and second chances.

Traditional monitors are easily recognizable and can lead to employment discrimination, housing difficulties, and social isolation, which increase the risk of recidivism. As mentioned in an article by the National Library of Medicine, the utilization of wearable devices in promoting behavior change has revolutionized the field of health monitoring and management. The devices equipped with microchips and sensors enable the seamless collection of physiological data such as physical activity levels, heart rate, stress levels, walking, sleeping, sleep patterns, health metrics, real-time feedback, prompts and personalized interventions. A biometric GPS bracelet worn on the wrist, though, can provide several advantages:

• Unobtrusive design: Resembling a smartwatch or fitness tracker, the device allows offenders to blend into society without drawing unwanted attention
• Increased confidence: By removing the bulky device effect, offenders can feel less alienated, which promotes mental well-being and encourages compliance with parole conditions
• Better employment opportunities: A discreet bracelet removes the barrier of visible bulky monitors and increases their chances of securing steady employment, which is a key factor in reducing recidivism
• Less public scrutiny: Traditional GPS monitors make offenders easy targets for harassment and exclusion. A biometric bracelet ensures they can reintegrate into their communities with greater ease
• Nationwide law enforcement intel: The use of the same platform throughout the nation will provide benefits toward real-time tracking nationwide and data sharing, allowing consistency with training and use of the device
• Health benefits for offenders: Beyond GPS tracking, the biometric bracelet can play a critical role in health monitoring, helping law enforcement and medical professionals detect early signs of stress, illness, or dangerous behaviors. The device could include:
  
  • Heart rate and pulse monitoring
  • Oxygen levels
  • Temperature monitoring
  • Sweat/hydration levels
  • Emergency alerts for medical crises
  • Waterproof and lightweight
  • 10-year battery life
  • Real-time location monitoring
  • Exclusionary zones and geofencing
  • Tamper-proof
  • Body contact sensors
  • Vibration and audible alerts
  • Blood pressure monitoring
  • Motion and activity tracking (running, walking, no movement, etc.)
  • Two-way communication
  • Automated check-ins
  • Customizable display and interface

Implementing modern sex offender tracking methodologies, supported by data-driven evidence, aligns with public safety priorities, enhances compliance, improves operational efficiency and optimizes resource allocation, making a compelling case for DAPO leadership adoption. Traditional GPS ankle monitors have several weaknesses that compromise their effectiveness. One major issue is tampering and removal risk. Offenders can cut off or disable the device, leading to an increase in a threat to public safety. Additionally, the visibility creates a stigma, making offenders more resistant to wearing them and increasing the likelihood of non-compliance.

A non-destructible biometric GPS bracelet offers a far superior alternative by integrating security, reliability, and offender accountability. This can eliminate the risk to public safety and encourage a wider range of collaborative efforts toward reintegration. Furthermore, biometric technology is already widely used in security and law enforcement, proving that its implementation in offender monitoring is both practical and achievable.

Conclusion

DAPO’s opportunity to modernize offender supervision by deploying biometric GPS bracelets as a replacement for outdated ankle monitors would be a win for California. With an already allocated annual budget for sex offender GPS supervision, DAPO can strategically utilize current funding to implement a phased rollout, ensuring that sex offenders are prioritized for this new technology. By investing in biometric GPS tracking, DAPO will enhance public safety, improve compliance and support offender reintegration in a way that is both effective and cost-efficient. The discreet design of the device will allow offenders to reintegrate more successfully, while advanced health monitoring and tamper-resistant features will reduce recidivism, parole violations, and medical emergencies — ultimately lowering long-term supervision costs.

By adopting biometric GPS bracelets, California can set a new national standard for modernized parole supervision, balancing public safety with rehabilitation while leveraging technology to streamline operations. This investment aligns with DAPO’s mission to manage supervised persons effectively while reducing risks to communities and improving long-term reentry outcomes.

References

1. California Legislative Information. California Penal Code. Published October 4, 2005.
2. Criminal Appeals Advocates. California First Step Act. Published 2025.
3. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Sex Offender Information.
4. California Legislative Information. California Penal Code Section 290. Published 2025.
5. Kinney E, Peters J. Adults on Probation Supervision in California for Sexual Offense. Report to the California Sex Offender Management Board. 2017:52.
6. FindLaw. California Penal Code 3010.10. Published January 1, 2023.
7. Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision. Rule 3.101-3 - Transfer of Supervision of Sex Offenders. Published 2024.
8. National Association for Rational Sex Offense Laws. What is Chelsea’s Law? Published March 2013.
9. National Institute of Justice. Individuals Convicted of a Sex Offense Who Are Monitored by GPS Found to Commit Fewer Crimes. Published February 26, 2013.
10. National Library of Medicine. Unveiling wearables: exploring the global landscape of biometric applications and vital signs and behavioral impact. Published June 2024.
11. Prison Law Office. Time Credits for People in CDCR. Published July 2024.
12. Shouse California Law Group. AB109 Realignment of Prisons and Jails. Published 2025.

About the author

Arti Parmar serves as the Special Assistant to the Undersecretary of Operations for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. In this role, she collaborates closely with the Undersecretary and executive leadership to advance operational initiatives and strategic goals within the department. Ms. Parmar’s career in law enforcement started in 2005 as a Correctional Officer with California State Prison-Sacramento. Over the years, she has promoted into multiple leadership positions, including, Investigative Services Unit Officer, Correctional Counselor, Parole Agent I, Parole Agent II, Parole Agent III, Parole Administrator and Special Assistant to the Director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations. Ms. Parmar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management and a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership. She is also a veteran of the United States Air Force, and a graduate of the Law Enforcement Command College Class 74.

This article is based on research conducted as a part of the CA POST Command College. It is a futures study of a particular emerging issue of relevance to law enforcement. Its purpose is not to predict the future; rather, to project a variety of possible scenarios useful for planning and action in anticipation of the emerging landscape facing policing organizations.

The article was created using the futures forecasting process of Command College and its outcomes. Managing the future means influencing it — creating, constraining and adapting to emerging trends and events in a way that optimizes the opportunities and minimizes the threats of relevance to the profession.