NCJ Number
225992
Journal
The Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 48 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2009 Pages: 76-87
Date Published
February 2009
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examined the discourses utilized by GPS-electronic monitoring (GPS-EM) practitioners in constructing their perceptions of GPS-EM operation and objectives.
Abstract
Results provide clear empirical evidence that both the rehabilitative and managerial-surveillant discourses are utilized by practitioners in their understanding of GPS-EM operations. Thus, GPS-EM program operations included a combination of ideals including: rehabilitation, reduced recidivism, reintegration, managerialism, actuarialism, cost-effective incapacitation, and targeting specific populations. This study supports criticisms that contemporary penality represents a break from modern penality. As suggested, it is more likely that contemporary penality is represented on a continuum from the past, wherein certain aspects found within modern penality have been intensified. Research found that as the modern ideal of rehabilitation increased in perceived importance, so too did the ability to manage offenders. Practitioners acknowledge the importance of rehabilitation and management-surveillance in the operation of GPS-EM and suggest that each has an intricate relationship with the other. Tables, notes, and references