MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee State Representative G.A. Hardaway (D-Memphis) wants to start tracking violent and repeat offenders using GPS.
Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Rep. Hardaway introduced his proposal for a pilot program using real-time GPS monitoring to track some offenders.
The proposal would include repeat offenders with a history of reckless driving and property crimes like gun theft, auto theft, and carjacking.
Hardaway said another GPS monitoring program for domestic violence offenders sparked the idea. He said he is tired of seeing people commit crimes while out on bail for other crimes.
"The officer that was killed. One of those young folk wasn't supposed to be out in the streets in the first place,” said Hardaway. “If we had real-time, and I emphasize, real-time GPS monitoring, we would have known that individual was not where he was supposed to be."
Hardaway said he's working alongside Memphis Police, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and both the Memphis and Shelby County mayors about the program.
They are still working on how it would work, and Hardaway said there is no timetable for the program just yet. He's working to collect data to bring to the next legislative session.
