Judge sets GPS deadlines and considers tracking-only requests amid jail overcrowding

Judge Stephanie Boyd addressed several requests related to electronic monitoring and GPS release during proceedings. The court reported receiving a request from the sheriff’s office referencing overcrowding and signed an order to place a defendant on GPS effective Jan. 31, giving parties a deadline to act before the order takes effect.

The court also heard contested requests from defendants seeking a change from partial GPS restrictions to tracking-only monitoring so they could seek additional employment; the state opposed conversion when recent reports indicated deceptive behavior or safety concerns. In those contested matters the judge said tracking-only status could be reconsidered if the defendant provided proof of sustained compliance and employment documentation and recommended a reassessment after spring break or following a specified compliance interval.

For defendants whose GPS status the sheriff sought to change for capacity reasons, the judge directed counsel to e-file proposed orders dated Jan. 31 so the court could sign them; the court required documentation from supervising officers or the GPS manager before altering monitoring terms. The court also imposed ignition interlock conditions on some vehicles and authorized partial GPS for employment in at least one case.