Electronic Monitoring

Definition

Electronic monitoring refers to the use of technology, such as GPS devices and electronic bracelets, to supervise individuals under community-based corrections or parole. This method enables authorities to track the location and movements of offenders in real-time, helping to ensure compliance with the conditions of their release while promoting rehabilitation. It serves as an alternative to incarceration, providing a way for offenders to remain connected to their communities while still being held accountable for their actions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Electronic monitoring is often seen as a cost-effective alternative to traditional incarceration, allowing offenders to maintain employment and family connections.
2. Devices used for electronic monitoring can include ankle bracelets that alert authorities if the wearer leaves a designated area, known as a 'geofence'.
3. In many jurisdictions, the use of electronic monitoring has been shown to reduce recidivism rates by promoting accountability and rehabilitation.
4. Electronic monitoring can also provide data that helps law enforcement make informed decisions about resource allocation and interventions.
5. Critics of electronic monitoring argue that it may create a false sense of security and can lead to issues related to privacy and the potential for over-surveillance.

Review Questions

• How does electronic monitoring support the goals of community-based corrections?
  • Electronic monitoring supports community-based corrections by allowing offenders to serve their sentences outside of prison while still being supervised. This approach encourages rehabilitation by enabling individuals to maintain employment and family relationships. By using technology to monitor compliance with conditions such as curfews or geographic restrictions, it helps reduce recidivism and supports successful reintegration into society.
• What are some ethical considerations associated with the use of electronic monitoring in criminal justice?
  • The use of electronic monitoring raises several ethical considerations, including privacy concerns and the potential for excessive surveillance. Critics argue that constant tracking can infringe on personal freedoms and create a punitive environment rather than a rehabilitative one. Additionally, there are concerns about the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities and whether electronic monitoring truly serves justice or perpetuates inequality within the criminal justice system.
• Evaluate the impact of electronic monitoring on recidivism rates and overall public safety in the context of community corrections.
  • The impact of electronic monitoring on recidivism rates and public safety has been largely positive, with studies indicating that it can lower re-offense rates among monitored individuals. By providing structure and accountability, these programs help offenders adhere to parole conditions, thereby reducing the likelihood of returning to criminal behavior. However, this effectiveness depends on proper implementation and support systems, as well as addressing broader societal factors that contribute to recidivism. An effective approach requires balancing supervision with rehabilitation efforts that tackle underlying issues such as substance abuse or lack of employment opportunities.

Related terms

GPS Tracking: A system that uses Global Positioning System technology to determine the precise location of an individual, often used in conjunction with electronic monitoring.

Community Supervision: A type of correctional supervision where offenders are monitored in the community rather than in prison, often involving probation or parole.

Recidivism: The tendency of previously incarcerated individuals to relapse into criminal behavior, often measured by their return to prison after release.