Electronically Monitored Home Confinement (From State of Corrections: Proceedings of ACA Annual Conferences, 1989, P 33-37, 1990, Ann Dargis, ed. -- See NCJ-122583)

• NCJ Number: 122590
• Author(s): P Johnson
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: American Correctional Association
• Publication Type: Program Description (Demonstrative)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The use of electronic monitoring of offenders in home confinement in Michigan has several advantages over halfway houses, including lower costs, greater flexibility and potential for expansion, less public opposition, and lower community visibility.

Abstract

The program has expanded in recent years as a result both of prison overcrowding and of problems regarding the credibility of community corrections. Michigan targeted two offender populations for the program: 1) inmates on a resident home or extended furlough status and 2) convicted felons who would receive a prison or jail sentence if electronic monitoring were not available. More than 200 offenders are now in the program. Continuously signaling electronic monitoring is used to ensure compliance. The annual cost per client for fiscal year 1988 was $2,555 plus an $1,825 offender contribution, compared to $15,866 plus construction costs for incarceration. The program is not appropriate for all offenders, but can be useful for many. It is most appropriate as an adjunct to the conventional halfway house for the placement of probationers or inmates who have obtained employment and are drug-free.