With 2009, a new era begins in Illinois orders of protection.

A new state statute requires counties to provide 24 x 7 surveillance of anyone subject to an order of protection anytime the court orders it.

The means: global position satellite technology.

Although not inexpensive, where used, this system should “buy” a great deal of peace of mind – and actual safety – for victims of domestic violence … and ultimate savings to the government by deterring violations by abusers.

In addition to equipment costs, extracting full value from this system requires having sufficient staff to monitor the electronic feeds. But that task may be well suited to existing police dispatchers (or increases in such staff).

Read more in this Elgin [IL] Courier News article: Counties to tighten orders of protection.