WILD DOGS, CATS AND HUMANS

 I have become accustomed to the technology that we enjoy today. It wasn’t that long ago that no one had cell phones, when we traveled we just accepted the fact that we would be out of communication with anyone when driving on a remote section of highway. Today it is so different; now most of us grab our cell phones just like we grab our socks before putting on our shoes. I have often heard the commercial about the Onstar systems that are on many general motor vehicles. It can give anyone a huge sense of security when someone can be located in case of an emergency. In the case of Onstar, that equipment is available because of GPS. It is a technology that has proven itself for the military and countless business people around the world. Many people are now buying small units that they can install in their cars, with the units anyone can know where they are at all times and never get lost. There is a bill before the Oklahoma state legislature that proposes a use for this technology that could benefit all of us.

A bill proposing the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) to protect domestic abuse victims recently passed out of the Judiciary Committee. Senator Debbie Leftwich -D-OKC, author of Senate Bill 2163, said the bill makes smart use of available technology.  Leftwich said, “The GPS devices will be court-issued and will automatically notify both the authorities and the victim should an offender violate geographic boundaries set by the court. Offenders will also be responsible for the expense of the GPS bracelet, which is estimated to cost $4.50 per person per day.” A judge can issue protective orders, but it is the local law enforcement that has the duty to arrest the person who violates the order. With law enforcement budgets being stretched to the limit, it is next to impossible to monitor the people who are served with a protective order.