Colorado-based developer has created a smartphone app with the goal of helping ex-cons stay on the straight and narrow while they are on probation. Mike Kingery, owner of Outreach Smartphone Monitoring, said he got the idea to create a smartphone app after hearing a federal judge challenge developers to find creative ways to help offenders.

Kingery was intrigued by the challenge and decided to find a way to replace ankle bracelet monitors. The app, Kingery said, tracks an inmate’s location, uses video to prove where he is and show what he is doing, provides reminders for appointments, and offers referrals to social services if he needs help.

“When I see an ankle bracelet, I see the past. Great technology for 1985,” Kingery said. “An ankle bracelet can’t remind an individual to take their meds or when to go to court. It can’t refer them to a crisis line.”

The app, which pairs with a wrist bracelet, has generated interest in the offender-monitoring profession.

Denver County probation services has been using the smartphone app for about 60 days, and, so far, it’s working well with only a few minor bugs, said DeAnna Maes, chief probation officer.

“Even the non-tech-savvy people seem to be at ease with using it,” she said.

The app also is being used in Mesa County, and Jefferson County is set to begin testing it in a couple of weeks. It’s also being used in Tennessee, Texas and California, said Kingery.

Read more here: http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_28431206/monitoring-ex-cons-after-they-get-out-jail