NCJ Number
129637
Journal
Journal of Offender Monitoring Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1990) Pages: 12-18
Date Published
1990
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article reviews Utah's rationale in establishing electronic monitoring programs. The decision to use electronic monitoring was based in a legal review, the nature of the offender population, and the overall management needs of the program.
Abstract
The legal analysis rested on determining whether electronic monitoring is related to offender rehabilitation and community protection, whether it is reasonable, whether it is clear, and whether it is constitutional. The analysis determined that electronic monitoring of offenders met all these criteria. The emphasis on rehabilitation and community protection implies that electronic monitoring be used with high-risk offenders to avoid the charge of "net widening" or unconstitutional restriction. The electronic monitoring complements intensive supervision with curfew regulations. Whereas in the past, probation officers made quick spot checks to enforce curfew regulations, electronic monitoring eliminates the need for this and thus frees probation officers to focus more on rehabilitative contacts with probationers rather than enforcement contacts. Officers must, however, be on call to respond to any alarms. This article advises that any electronic monitoring program must determine its goals and procedures prior to contacting an equipment vender. This ensures that the equipment will fit the needs of the program rather than vice versa. 9 footnotes