Corrections chief executive Ray Smith has suggested using GPS systems and a call centre to keep track of criminals released on probation.
The ideas, inspired by similar initiatives in the US and Australia, would cut costs and make it easier not only for Corrections to keep a tab on offenders, but also for offenders to keep to the terms of their release.
"One of the things we are talking about is setting up a contact centre that can outbound call," says Mr Smith.
"Imagine 20 highly-trained probation officers that can outbound call offenders all day every day and talk to them about what they are doing, what's happening, where they are supposed to be.
"Most offenders in the community are concerned if they don't make contact with their probation officer because they know it could mean they end up in prison."
Missing offenders were hard to track in the wake of the Christchurch earthquakes, so GPS systems would help Corrections find them.
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