Victim's family wants abusers electronically monitored

Michael Bischof wants electronic monitoring bracelets attached to the wrists of people who violate protection orders.

State Rep. Suzie Bassi, a Palatine Republican, is on board.

Bassi will work on legislation that will be introduced next January, she said at a press conference today at the Rolling Meadows City Hall. About 30 people attended the event, including police officers, politicians and friends and family of Cindy Bischof .

"We need greater safety guards and victims need more protection," Bassi said after the press conference.

The bracelets could be called "Cindy bracelets" in honor of Michael Bischof's sister, Cindy, who was murdered on March 7.

Cindy Bischof, 43, was fatally shot and killed outside her Elmhurst real estate office by a former boyfriend, Michael Giroux. Cindy Bischof had an order of protection against Giroux and Giroux violated that order at least three times, Michael Bischof said.

"Cindy did everything she was supposed to do," he said. "In 10 months, she lived in four different residences and even hotels. She lived in fear of this coward."

Electronic monitoring bracelets are mostly used to keep track of molesters, but could be expanded to people who violate orders of protection, as Giroux had done, Michael Bischof said.

If Giroux were forced to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet, the attack might never have happened, he said. If the offender gets within a couple miles of the victim's home or work, the victim can be notified using a global positioning system.

Michael Bischof said his sister was so fearful of her ex that she wouldn't take a shower unless her mace spray, cell phone and keys were within reach. One time, she came home to find him waiting for her in her dark garage, he said.

Rolling Meadows Police Chief Steven Williams said the idea of "Cindy bracelets" is worth looking into.

"The technology is there," Williams said.