Fredette applauds release of RFP for domestic violence monitors

Staff Report

    AUGUSTA — House Republican Leader Ken Fredette (R-Newport) said he is pleased that the electronic monitoring program for domestic violence offenders is moving forward.
    A request for proposals (RFP) is now available for counties to apply for funding to implement an electronic monitoring program.

    “I am glad to know that we can now move forward with this important program. It is with a heavy heart that I recognize the need for such a program, but we must take action to ensure that victims of domestic violence are able to have some peace of mind as they go about their daily lives, and electronic monitoring can help to provide that,” said Fredette.
    In Somerset County, a program has already begun with initial funding from the annual benefit held in remembrance of Amy Lake and her children of Ripley.
    The 4th Annual Amy, Coty and Monica 5K Race-Walk in Dexter last summer morning drew more than 450 participants and raised just over $14,500 toward programs to help curb domestic violence in Maine.
    Lake and her children, Coty and Monica, were killed on June 13, 2011 by her estranged husband, Steven, who then took his own life. Amy Lake was a kindergarten teacher at Ridge View Community School in Dexter.
    A proximity monitoring system consists of a bracelet on the offender and a pager for the victim. If the abuser comes within a restricted zone, such as the victim’s home, a law enforcement agency can be notified instantly.
    The statewide electronic monitoring fund and pilot program were established as part of LD 842, “An Act to Facilitate the Use of Electronic Monitoring,” which was sponsored by Fredette and signed into law by Gov. Paul LePage in 2013. The legislation establishes the fund within the State Board of Corrections.
    Currently, the fund has $36,000 available for pilot programs. LePage provided $18,000 from his contingency fund, and $18,000 was provided by the benefit held in remembrance of the Lake family.
    Fredette has also submitted legislation for the 127th Legislature that requests an additional $500,000 from the general fund be put toward the electronic monitoring program.