Recent data obtained by CBC News reveals that over 60% of individuals released with ankle monitors in Manitoba since their introduction in August 2024 were rearrested or violated their release conditions. According to the justice minister’s office, out of 530 individuals released under the program until October 16, 2025, 243 were rearrested for various violations, 53 absconded by removing the device, 16 damaged the strap, and 12 let the battery run out.
Charges were dropped for 11 individuals, 19 were convicted, and one was acquitted. Eight people had their monitoring conditions lifted, and unfortunately, one person passed away while wearing the ankle monitor. As of October 16, 166 individuals were still being monitored with ankle devices.
These figures were disclosed by Justice Minister Matt Wiebe’s office after initially refusing to reveal them. The information was made public following a bail hearing where a Crown attorney used the statistics to argue against releasing a domestic violence suspect with an ankle monitor, ultimately leading to the denial of bail.
Another Crown attorney raised concerns during a bail hearing about a high-profile shoplifting case, labeling the ankle monitor program’s failure rate as “staggering.” The attorney cited a case where an individual allegedly committed theft while wearing an ankle monitor, emphasizing the limitations of the program.
The ankle monitoring program was implemented in Manitoba as a measure to prevent repeat offenses and ensure compliance with release conditions. The devices incorporate 24/7 GPS tracking and real-time communication features, including voice commands and alerts for restricted areas.
While Justice Minister Wiebe believes the program is successful due to the quick location tracking capabilities, criminologist Michael Weinrath criticized the program’s performance based on the high failure rate. Weinrath highlighted the discrepancy in evaluating success, suggesting that the inclusion of ongoing participants in the failure rate skews the program’s efficacy.
Defense lawyer Christopher Gamby offered a different perspective, noting that detecting breaches with ankle monitors could be interpreted as both a failure and a success, depending on the context. Gamby emphasized the program’s benefits in cases like domestic violence, where geographical restrictions can enhance victim protection.
Despite the program’s significant budget allocation, concerns persist regarding its effectiveness, with prosecutors questioning its value in court. While Justice Minister Wiebe defended the program’s role in public safety, critics like Weinrath advocate for reallocating resources to address underlying issues contributing to crime.
As debates continue over the future of ankle monitoring in Manitoba, Wiebe assured ongoing evaluation of the program to meet community demands for enhanced monitoring measures.