The North Dakota Emergency Commission has approved funding to expand the use of GPS monitoring bracelets for all residents of transitional facilities. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Governor Kelly Armstrong, with the goal of improving real-time supervision and public safety.
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) requested $105,000 to support this expansion through the end of the biennium on June 30, 2027. Previously, in October 2025, the DOCR began using GPS monitoring for about 300 individuals on inmate status at transitional facilities. That initial rollout cost $568,000 and was covered within the department’s existing budget.
With today’s approval of contingency funds, GPS monitoring will now also apply to individuals placed in transitional facilities by external authorities such as courts and the parole board. This includes those participating in work release programs. The DOCR estimates that an average of 122 people from probation and parole placements will require GPS monitoring under this new policy.
Governor Armstrong stated: “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.”
According to DOCR Director Colby Braun, early results from GPS monitoring among inmates at transitional facilities have been positive. The technology provides real-time supervision, confirms individuals are at approved locations, and allows staff to respond quickly if someone moves without authorization or absconds.
Braun added that without GPS monitoring, many probation diversion placements would likely be sent to prison or take up space in county jail beds. He noted that more than 430 sentenced individuals are currently housed in county jails due to limited prison capacity.
“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.
The Emergency Commission is composed of six members: the governor as chairman, the secretary of state, majority leaders from both legislative chambers, and chairs from each chamber’s appropriations committee.
Before taking effect, the funding must be approved by the Legislature’s Budget Section when it meets on March 18. The DOCR plans to seek ongoing legislative funding next biennium to continue supporting GPS monitoring for all transitional facility residents and work release participants.
