OAKLAND, Ca -- Oakland authorities have new high-tech weapons in the battle against crime.

GPS ankle bracelets will be used to track the movements of convicts on parole or probation who have a history of repeat offenses.

Alameda County probation officials would be alerted if the person wearing the device leaves a designated area.

The devices send signals to a tracking station in Utah and workers there would inform Oakland and Alameda County officials if there is a violation of court orders.

Oakland Police Spokesman Jeff Thomason says "the use of the GPS tracking system will help us deter probationers from repeat offending and help the probation department monitor these probationers."

The ankle bracelets will be used only in the city of Oakland and only with a judge's approval.

A judge would decide if a person with an anklet will be sent back to jail because of a violation.