NCJ Number
137543
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 17 Issue: 3/4 Dated: (1992) Pages: 77-87
Date Published
1992
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Data collected from a sample of 121 adult felons on probation or parole residing in two large metropolitan counties in a southwestern State were used to examine the effects of electronic monitoring (EM) on the level of familial control perceived by offenders under community supervision.
Abstract
Each subject completed a socio-demographic questionnaire as well as the Family Environment Scale which measures subjects' perception of their immediate household or nuclear family social climate. The mean age of the sample was 28.2 years; 43 percent were white and 56 percent black. The average educational level was just under 12 years, more than half were single, and 70 percent were employed either full-time or part-time. The mean occupational level was skilled manual worker. Nearly 90 percent of the sample claimed they did not currently use alcohol or drugs while another 9 percent classified themselves as social users only. The analysis findings showed that EM is associated with stable levels of familial control as perceived by the offender. There were no discernible changes in behavior or familial control levels. More extended periods of EM, especially when used to avoid revocation, may be required if an impact on family dynamics is sought. Because EM was used in this jurisdiction as a case management device for difficult probationers, there may have been a common psycho-social trait that rendered these offenders impervious to the effects of such an overt measure of external control. 23 references