
The Judiciary of Guam rolled out its Electronic Monitoring Program as a means to keep tabs on pre-trial release defendants to ensure the community’s safety.
But with a slashed budget of a million dollars for fiscal year 2020, the contract will be axed once the funding runs out.
Judiciary Spokesman Shawn Gumataotao said the reduction on the Judiciary’s budget will have an absolute effect on that program.
“At this time, there have been no takers. We have already done our briefings with the defense bar and the attorney general’s office. We have even posted the forms on our website which instructs how to implement it or avail of it. But there just hasn’t been anyone to come forward,” Gumataotao said.
The program is geared toward the indigent and the client considered for electronic monitoring must fill out an Electronic Monitoring Program Packet to be considered for the program.
One of the criteria needing to be met is electricity at the home of the client otherwise the individual may be deemed ineligible. The eligibility packet is available on the Judiciary of Guam website.
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