The government of Guyana is taking new steps to fight domestic violence by introducing ankle monitoring systems for people who break restraining orders.
Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond said these measures are part of a wider plan to make the country safer and give victims more protection and support.
She explained that the ankle bracelet will let police track offenders’ movements and send instant alerts if they go near areas or people they are banned from approaching. This system is meant to prevent repeat violence and allow quick police action.
Ankle monitoring devices work by using GPS to track a person’s location and cellular signals to send that information to a monitoring center. The bracelet constantly checks where the wearer is and sends data through mobile networks, allowing authorities to see movements in real time.
If the person enters a restricted area or tries to remove the device, an alert is triggered and sent automatically. The bracelet’s built-in sensors detect tampering, and its rechargeable battery usually lasts a day or two before needing to be charged.
In short, it acts like a small GPS unit with a phone connection that reports any rule-breaking or interference straight to the authorities.
Minister Walrond said one of her top goals is to make citizens feel safe in their daily lives. “People want to feel secure and walk down the street with their children without fear,” she said.
She also spoke about the Safe City Initiative, which uses cameras with facial recognition, vehicle tracking, and license plate systems to help solve crimes faster and keep communities safe.
Another tool being developed is an alert app, similar to a panic button, that lets people in danger quickly contact emergency services.
The minister added that while technology helps, public trust in the Guyana Police Force must also improve. “People want to feel that there is a police force that cares and will respond,” she said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is also focusing on reforming the juvenile justice system to help young offenders rebuild their lives.
By addressing the roots of crime and combining new technologies with community support, Minister Walrond said the government aims to create a safer and more secure Guyana for everyone.
