Offender Supervision With Electronic Technology: A User's Guide

• NCJ Number: 197102
• Author(s): Ann H. Crowe; Linda Sydney; Pat Bancroft; Beverly Lawrence
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 158 pages
• Grant Number(s): 1999-LT-VX-K001
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Instructional Material

Annotation

This document is intended to instruct readers in the process required to incorporate and implement strategies for the electronic supervision of offenders within justice system programs.

Abstract

For the purposes of this document, the term "electronic supervision technologies" refers to an array of processes that use several technological innovations that provide information to achieve a variety of purposes in offender supervision. Among the various electronic technologies considered in this document are reporting kiosks, remote substance use detection devices, ignition interlock systems, identity verification systems, and monitoring equipment to detect offenders' compliance with restrictions or track their locations. Within each type of technology, there may be various features. The introductory chapter provides a brief description of the evolution of electronic supervision and presents several examples of programs that include an electronic-supervision component. In discussing agency considerations for implementing electronic technology for the supervision of offenders, a chapter considers leadership in instituting change, the establishment of partnerships for change, a needs and resources assessment, determination of the purpose and goals for electronic supervision, and the development of policies and procedures. Another chapter discusses legal issues, which encompass relevant legislation, the legal status of persons being supervised electronically, constitutional issues, liability issues, confidentiality, insurance and indemnification, and the importance of consulting legal counsel. A chapter considers types of offenders to be supervised with electronic technologies. Two chapters on obtaining and maintaining needed resources focus on funding and human resources. Three chapters on making technical decisions address the selection of appropriate electronic supervision tools, the establishment of monitoring services for electronic supervision systems, and the procurement process. A chapter is devoted to the details of supervising offenders under electronic technologies; and two chapters pertinent to program accountability encompass information management and evaluation as well as public relations. 12 tables, 2 figures, and 120 references