Development of Home Confinement and Electronic Monitoring in the United States (From Community Corrections: A Community Field Approach, P 73-92, 1990, David E Duffee and Edmund F McGarrell, eds. -- See NCJ-121217)

• NCJ Number: 121220
• Author(s): J R Lilly; R A Ball
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 20 pages
• Sale Source: Anderson Publishing Co
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This assessment of the development of house arrest and electronic monitoring programs provides both an overview of the nationwide emergence of these programs and a more intensive analysis of the development of programs in Florida and Kentucky.

Abstract

The contrasting of programs in these two States shows varied implementation reactions to the responsiveness of local officials and to the nature and scope of State-level policymaking. In both States electronic monitoring was a response to jail and prison overcrowding. In Florida State-level policymakers developed a central plan for statewide implementation. Although Kentucky enacted enabling legislation, there was no attempt to push local authorities to adopt electronic monitoring. Consequently, the initiative of key local officials was required for implementation. There are a number of unresolved issues related to the home confinement movement that require attention prior to nationwide institutionalization of such programs. To critics, this movement is an alarming step toward total social discipline and the suppression of individuality under the guise of humanitarianism and progress. Concerns over possible privacy invasions, either by the government or private agencies have arisen because of technologies that permit the increased control and monitoring of individuals' lives. 5 notes, discussion questions.