Thank you.
Good afternoon, everyone. I thank the committee for the invitation and for their interest in our work.
Some countries have adopted electronic monitoring device systems as a means of preventing domestic violence, including spousal homicide. The monitoring bracelet allows the geolocation of a spouse or ex‑spouse, which, in the event that a set perimeter around the victim is crossed, sends an alert to the central station and allows a rapid intervention of police officers on both the victim's and the offender's side.
Jean-Pierre Guay and I were mandated to prepare a feasibility study that aimed to analyze the measure by identifying the main challenges related to the implementation of this device in the Quebec context.
For our methodology, we used 133 documents and synthesized legislation in 38 territories. We conducted interviews with police stakeholders in the justice environment, victims' groups and offender assistance groups, and we also conducted an assessment of the criminal history of offenders, which my colleague, Jean-Pierre Guay, will present to you in a few moments.
Here are our findings. Several initiatives have been implemented in a few countries, and their experience shows that the monitoring bracelet can be incorporated into the various measures to prevent domestic violence. First of all, it increases the well-being and sense of security of the victims, which means that we can intervene quickly. In addition, the bracelet increases compliance with treatment orders.
It should be noted that there can also be negative effects. So, good implementation should aim to reduce these, taking into account the following in particular. First, there are the legal issues, which include consideration of the stage in the judicial process where the bracelet may be appropriate, as well as the balance between protecting victims and respecting the rights of offenders. It is also important to understand that there are equivalent provisions to section 810 of the Criminal Code everywhere, in many countries. Everywhere, these orders are very difficult to enforce, and the bracelet enforces a measure that is already ordered by a judge in most jurisdictions.
The implementation of such technology also raises issues related to the choice of device, its underlying technology and an effective alarm and warning system. It also needs to be coordinated with a police response. We have highlighted the particular characteristic of Quebec, which is the unavailability of certain technologies in remote areas. We also find challenges related to the privacy of the parties involved.
In short, our report contains several recommendations to minimize the impact of this measure, in order to strike a balance between protecting victims and depriving offenders of their rights and freedoms.
Risk assessment and the selection of individuals subject to a measure such as this also merit careful consideration. My colleague, Jean-Pierre Guay, will address this specific issue.