NCJ Number
145066
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 39 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1993) Pages: 462- 484
Date Published
1993
Length
23 pages
Annotation
A program using electronic monitoring (EM) as a probationary tool on drunk drivers was evaluated.
Abstract
During a 7-year study period, researchers collected data on monitorees in Palm Beach County (FL) at three points 184 subjects in 1987, 231 in 1989, and 179 in 1992. At each point, the proportion of drivers whose offense was driving while intoxicated (DWI) declined but remained a majority. Nearly all subjects completed their EM period successfully, but some complained about boredom or the embarrassment of having to wear an EM bracelet. Others, however, were prone to test the limits of the technology and the probationer. Overall, EM proved to be a cost-effective alternative for DWI offenders and offered all the advantages of a community-based sanction, with greater incapacitation benefits than jailing. Further, there was no evidence of an "add-on" effect, nor much racial, age, gender, or socioeconomic bias in its application. Researchers estimated that the county saved about 1.7 million dollars, assuming that the monitorees otherwise would have served a jail term equivalent to their EM period. 6 tables, 5 endnotes, and 64 references