For Domestic Violence Victims, Promise in GPS

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Authorities say a program that uses GPS to monitor alleged domestic violence offenders shows some promise.

Bills in the House and Senate would let Ramsey County extend its program, which uses GPS to alert a woman if her alleged abuser is nearby.

The bills also set standards for other jurisdictions to set up their own GPS monitoring.

Ramsey County Attorney John Choi says the program helps women who fear for their safety. It also helped one man who was falsely accused of violating a no-contact order because GPS showed he wasn't near the victim.

Choi will testify in favor of the bill Wednesday before the House Public Safety Committee. The program will end in June if the Legislature doesn't act.