AUGUSTA, Maine — An electronic monitoring program for people deemed to be some of Maine’s most dangerous domestic violence perpetrators will begin in three counties following the allocation of funds this week by Gov. Paul LePage.
The purpose of the pilot programs is for the state to research the use of the electronic devices on offenders as a way to increase compliance with protection-from-abuse orders, reduce recidivism and maintain public safety.
The program has been under development since the passage of a bill sponsored by House Minority Leader Ken Fredette, R-Newport, and is moving forward following the State Board of Corrections’ approval of pilot programs in Kennebec, Somerset and Sagadahoc counties Wednesday. Electronic monitoring of domestic violence suspects was one of the top recommendations of a domestic violence task force created by LePage in 2012.
LePage, who made fighting domestic violence a focus during his first term, said that focus will continue in the coming weeks with more policy proposals to the Legislature, some offered in conjunction with Fredette.
“Identifying and implementing programs that reduce domestic violence crimes across our state continues to be a priority for our administration,” LePage said in a written statement. “Electronic monitoring has proven successful in other states and I look forward to the results of these programs so we can move ahead on this as quickly as possible.”
The electronic monitoring bracelets will alert law enforcement officers in those counties when someone who has been deemed a high-risk offender enters a “safe zone” that would put a victim at an increased risk of an attack. These safe zones typically include a victim’s home, workplace or a child’s school.
Julia Colpitts, executive director of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, has been deeply involved in implementation of the program. She said it is designed for offenders or alleged offenders — sometimes prior to their court appearances — who meet certain criteria.
“The individuals who are appropriate for this are not the ones who are the highest risk. They need to still stay in jail and not get bail,” Colpitts said. “These programs are intended for those eligible for bail but who still are subject to concerns. The programs are not at all appropriate for low-risk offenders.”
Colpitts said law enforcement officers throughout Maine have been trained to evaluate domestic violence suspects using a tool called the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment, a 13-question survey that will be fully implemented in Maine as of Jan. 1. Some of the key indicators in the assessment will be people who have a history of prior arrests, stalking or violating bail conditions.
“Instead of having a ‘he said, she said,’ now we’ll know,” Colpitts said. “There will be an evidence-based process.”
Nationwide, at least 14 states have passed laws permitting judges to require individuals who violated a domestic violence protection order to wear electronic tracking devices, according to the National Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith and Credit.
The organization cites studies that show electronic monitoring has helped reduce domestic violence incidents — especially re-victimization — but is not without isolated problems. Among those problems is the cost and several instances when the devices have falsely shown an offender entered a safe zone.
Steve Edmondson, a domestic violence investigator in Sagadahoc County, said a committee called the High Risk Rapid Response team will meet early next week to begin implementing the program.
“I see nothing but a positive, though there’s no foolproof system,” Edmondson said.
The program is funded through a public-private partnership in which $18,000 came from the proceeds of the Amy Lake Walk/Run in Dexter. Amy Lake and her two children were killed in 2011 by Lake’s estranged husband, who then turned a gun on himself.
Another $18,000 was contributed by LePage in 2012 from his contingency fund. Fredette is also sponsoring a bill in the upcoming legislative session that would provide an additional $500,000 to expand the program.
“I’m thrilled that this pilot project is moving forward,” Fredette said in a written statement. “The days of domestic violence victims living in fear of their attackers need to come to an end now. The electronic monitoring is a huge step toward achieving that goal.”
An earlier pilot program in Somerset County last October, which was funded by Lake’s family and friends, found that the monitoring program costs roughly $7 per day.
“I appreciate the ongoing support Rep. Ken Fredette has provided on this issue and in the coming weeks expect to introduce other initiatives to help end domestic violence,” LePage said. “Meanwhile, this is a good step.”
Fredette said in addition to securing funding to pay for the program during the next couple of years, he will try to establish permanent funding as part of the state’s budget process.
“This program is a game-changer,” he said. “This is an important step for Maine to try to prevent another death or injury from domestic violence.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and would like to talk with an advocate, call 866-834-4357, TRS 800-787-3224. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 and is accessible from anywhere in Maine.
