2008 Woodie Awards
Tracking domestic violence offenders
By: James Kuch
Issue date: 10/19/07 Section: News
A proposed bill that would help protect victims of domestic violence is awaiting a state House subcommittee hearing.
The bill, dubbed Mary's Law, would let police track domestic violence offenders using a GPS signal.
Mary's Law would give domestic violence victims a pager that would alert them and the police whenever the defendant, who would be wearing an ankle bracelet, is nearby.
Rep. Bill Caul, R-Mount Pleasant, proposed the bill earlier this year, following the death of Mary Babb, 30. Babb was shot to death Jan. 9 by her estranged husband Thomas Babb, 37, in the Commerce Center parking lot, 711 W. Pickard Road.
"We have been trying vigorously for a hearing," said Ryan Wenburg, chief of staff for Caul. "The biggest reason this bill has not had a hearing was the fact that the budget became a priority."
Mary Babb had a personal protection order against Thomas Babb. Thomas Babb pleaded no contest to second degree murder and will be sentenced on Oct. 29.
But changes may already be taking place in Isabella County.
"One of our judges recently ordered a defendant sentenced on a stalking conviction, to wear a GPS tracking tether when he is released from custody," said Isabella County Prosecuting Attorney Larry Burdick. "The GPS companies have given presentations of their devices, claiming they provide both immediate victim notification that allows for mobile 'hot zones,' instead of just having static zones, such as the victim's home and place of work."
These zones would travel with the victim, giving them a certain number of feet surrounding them to help keep them safe. But testing of these devices have not worked completely, Burdick said.
He said he hopes to have something in place over the next few months.
Isabella County Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski said he is supportive of Mary's Law.
"I am up for anything we can do to help these victims," Mioduszewski said. "We need to take any steps necessary to help protect victims of domestic violence."
news@cm-life.com
The bill, dubbed Mary's Law, would let police track domestic violence offenders using a GPS signal.
Mary's Law would give domestic violence victims a pager that would alert them and the police whenever the defendant, who would be wearing an ankle bracelet, is nearby.
Rep. Bill Caul, R-Mount Pleasant, proposed the bill earlier this year, following the death of Mary Babb, 30. Babb was shot to death Jan. 9 by her estranged husband Thomas Babb, 37, in the Commerce Center parking lot, 711 W. Pickard Road.
"We have been trying vigorously for a hearing," said Ryan Wenburg, chief of staff for Caul. "The biggest reason this bill has not had a hearing was the fact that the budget became a priority."
Mary Babb had a personal protection order against Thomas Babb. Thomas Babb pleaded no contest to second degree murder and will be sentenced on Oct. 29.
But changes may already be taking place in Isabella County.
"One of our judges recently ordered a defendant sentenced on a stalking conviction, to wear a GPS tracking tether when he is released from custody," said Isabella County Prosecuting Attorney Larry Burdick. "The GPS companies have given presentations of their devices, claiming they provide both immediate victim notification that allows for mobile 'hot zones,' instead of just having static zones, such as the victim's home and place of work."
These zones would travel with the victim, giving them a certain number of feet surrounding them to help keep them safe. But testing of these devices have not worked completely, Burdick said.
He said he hopes to have something in place over the next few months.
Isabella County Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski said he is supportive of Mary's Law.
"I am up for anything we can do to help these victims," Mioduszewski said. "We need to take any steps necessary to help protect victims of domestic violence."
news@cm-life.com
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