NCJ Number
141723
Journal
Journal of Offender Monitoring Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1993) Pages: 1-10,14
Date Published
1993
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The post-release records of 126 drug offenders sentenced in 1990 to probation with house arrest and electronic monitoring in three areas of Los Angeles are compared to the records of a group of 200 drug offenders from the same neighborhoods sentenced to ordinary probation. Both group had similar attributes: 80 percent male; 40 percent white, 35 percent Hispanic, and 25 percent black; average age of 21 at time of first recorded adult arrest; and an average of 5 prior arrests.
Abstract
The results of this study were based on statistical data compiled from official records as well as interviews conducted with 70 of the monitored offenders. During the first 6 months of their probationary sentences, 43 percent of the non- monitored and 34 percent of the monitored groups had their probation revoked. Of the monitored group, 45 percent had no reports of probation violations. Benefits of the monitoring program were particularly significant for offenders who were unemployed or classified as poor in employment stability or financial status. About 40 percent of both groups tested positive for drug use at least once. Monitoring equipment can include passive, or programmed, intermittent, monitoring devices or the more expensive active, or continuous signal, monitors. Technical difficulties were experienced with both types of monitors. Some offenders also reported a social stigma attached to wearing an electronic bracelet. The author notes that electronic monitoring and drug testing of probationers can reduce the demand for drugs while promoting work habits and schedules incompatible with disabling drug use. 2 tables and 2 notes