BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Emergency Commission has unanimously approved $105,000 to pay for expanded use of GPS monitoring bracelets for everyone in a transitional facility in an attempt to increase public safety.
The Emergency Commission is made up of Governor Kelly Armstrong, Secretary of State Michael Howe, Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee State Senator Brad Bekkedahl and Chair of the House Appropriations Committee State Representative Don Vigesaa.
“This change will make our communities safer and save taxpayers’ money in the long run by reducing recidivism and incarceration costs and avoiding the need to build more jails and prisons,” Armstrong said.
The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation requested the money for the GPS bracelets. The DOCR has been using them for 300 people at transitional facilities since October 2025.
DOCR Director Colby Braun said without the bracelets, people on probation would probably be in prison or jails costing counties or the state more money.
“With GPS monitoring, we are enhancing supervision and accountability, responding directly to legislative concerns raised last session, and strengthening community and victim safety while preserving access to work and treatment opportunities,” Braun said.
