NCJ Number
217295
Journal
Journal of Offender Monitoring Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: 2006 Pages: 5-7
Date Published
2006
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This study examined legal issues related to the Cook County (Illinois) sheriff's electronic monitoring program and the deterrent effect of punishing those who absconded under the program.
Abstract
Currently, there are no additional sanctions for violating the conditions of the Cook County sheriff's electronic monitoring program; however, a survey of 100 previous absconders from the program found that they would not have absconded if they had known they would face additional criminal charges for escape. If a punishment for absconding from electronic monitoring were in place, along with participant knowledge of such punishment, it is possible that the frequency of absconding would be reduced. Absconding from electronic monitoring should be classified as an escape from custody, just as though the offender had escaped from jail. This would create the deterrent effect that is needed to reduce the absconding problem. Recently, participants in the Cook County electronic monitoring program who have failed to return their monitoring equipment have been charged with escape; however, this policy change is too recent to have produced any clear deterrence impact on absconding. The study of 100 previous absconders from the Cook County program asked them, "Would you have gone AWOL if you knew you would be charged with escape and receive a mandatory minimum sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections?" 1 table and 8 references