NCJ Number
127285
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 52 Issue: 7 Dated: (December 1990) Pages: 146-152
Date Published
1990
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The Jackson County (Oregon) home detention program, developed over the past four years, is considered a model for other programs around the country. It combines electronic monitoring, polygraph exams, urinalysis, and surprise visits to ensure compliance for the offenders, most of whom have committed drug-related crimes and are not considered to be dangerous criminals.
Abstract
The participants are responsible for providing much of the operating costs of the program which itself is designed to require the services of one probation officer for approximately 20 hours per week. Offenders who are placed in the program, usually as a condition of probation, must be in school, have a job, or be responsible for the care of children or elderly relatives. The county has chosen an electronic monitoring system (EMS) that combines passive and active design features; it can monitor the offender at all times and can be programmed to make random calls and confirm violation reports. The most frequent violations of the program involve drug and alcohol use, driving with suspended licenses, and unauthorized visitors. Sanctions include return to prison, community service, increased surveillance, or probation violation charges. Absconders are charged with felony escape. Several lessons have resulted from the Jackson County experience: local conditions affect the development of a home detention program, the program must include a component of behavior control, and strict sanctions will ensure greater offender compliance and community support.