(10/24/06) MINEOLA - High-risk sex offenders in Nassau County might get away with violating their probation terms due to staffing shortages.

Nassau courts deem certain sex offenders more dangerous than others. They monitor them with an ankle bracelet equipped with a GPS tracking system. If the convict goes near their victim's home or a school, the probation office is contacted via fax or phone. A recent audit revealed that on weekends, holidays and after 5 p.m. on weekdays individuals often aren't at the office to take the call. Residents say staffing shortages are no excuse for allowing sex offenders to go unmonitored.

The probation department coordinator says a plan is in the works to monitor sex offenders at all times. The coordinator hopes to have the program in place by early 2007. According to the coordinator, the state has already issued a grant to expand Nassau's electronic monitoring system.