Comparative Analysis of Three Electronically Monitored Home Detention Programs

• NCJ Number: 144355
• Journal: Justice Quarterly Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1993) Pages: 121-142
• Author(s): T L Baumer; M G Maxfield; R I Mendelsohn
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 22 pages
• Grant Number(s): 86-IJ-CX-0041; 88-IJ-CX-0052; 89-IJ-CX-0025
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation

Annotation

This study presents a comparative analysis of three electronic monitoring programs: a program for adults charged with a criminal offense and unable to obtain pretrial release, a program designed as an alternative to incarceration for convicted adult offenders, and a program for adjudicated juvenile burglars.

Abstract

The three programs operated in the same jurisdiction (Marion County, Indiana), used essentially the same equipment, and imposed similar rules and restrictions on behavior. Even so, substantial differences among programs were observed with respect to agency and client performance. The three programs differed significantly on official program indicators of client performance, and significant variation was recorded for client arrests while on home detention and for the rate of successful programmed computer calls. Absconding from home detention was less common among convicted offenders, both juvenile and adult, than among persons awaiting disposition. Further research is recommended to assess offender behavior, organizational capacity to detect offender behavior, the question of sanctions for misbehavior, and the impact of such sanctions on other correctional resources. 27 references and 6 tables