NCJ Number
116184
Date Published
1988
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article defines electronic monitoring and its current technology, describes correctional programs using such methods, and explains the wide array of issues surrounding its use.
Abstract
Electronic monitors are electronic devices designed to augment home confinement; the application to Corrections is very recent. Current technology falls into two categories: those that do and those that do not require telephone operation. The first category consists of a transmitter, strapped to the offender, which continually broadcasts an encoded signal to the home receiver connected by telephone to a central office computer. If the offender leaves the range of the monitoring unit during an unauthorized period, a violation report is recorded on the central office monitor. The second category consists of a transmitter worn by the offender which emits a radio signal to a receiver in the monitoring official's car. According to a National Institute of Justice study that surveyed 54 programs in 21 states, most participants were under 30 years and convicted and sentenced on a wide variety of offenses, most notably major traffic violations. Three California programs; the San Diego Probation Department, the Orange County Probation Department, and the North Humboldt Judicial District Court; are described. Such programs have engendered widespread controversy over at least two issues: the legal ramifications of using electronic monitoring as a correctional alternative; and the policy issues involved in implementing and conducting a program. In the legal area, three major issues are discussed: constitutional, curfew, and waiver of rights and right to refuse probation. Policy issues to be considered are program costs, program assessment, program duration, and program participants. Bibliography.