NCJ Number
156151
Journal
Compiler Dated: (Winter/Spring 1995) Pages: 7-9
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The Cook County (Illinois) Sheriff's Electronic Monitoring Program, begun in 1989 to alleviate jail overcrowding, allows nonviolent, short-time sentenced and pretrial inmates to live at home and continue their jobs or schooling.
Abstract
Participants in the program, who are required to wear electronic monitoring bands at all times, are also encouraged to attend substance abuse treatment and family counseling programs. The program has been successful, largely due to a strong staff system providing close interaction with participants. The program, the largest of its kind in the world, is considered a prototype and has been very cost-effective compared to detaining offenders in jail. The participants live with a specific relative or friend until either dismissal of the case or sentencing; all parties in the house must abide by the program rules, i.e., no drugs or alcohol, and no weapons. Participants are monitored around the clock for violations of their program conditions; the Sheriff's Department also conducts surprise visits to participants' homes. Program officials are hoping to increase the number of participants it can accommodate at one time from the current 1,200 to 1,600 over the next few years.