NCJ Number
129928
Journal
Research Bulletin Issue: 29 Dated: (1990) Pages: 28-31
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Feasibility tests were conducted in Nottingham, North Tyneside, and Tower Bridge, London, England to determine the advantages and disadvantages of electronic monitoring of defendants and offenders.
Abstract
Each test lasted six months, with both the equipment and monitoring provided by private companies. The project involved active, continuous monitoring of a total of 50 individuals through the use of an ankle bracelet, a receiver-dialer connected to a telephone line, and a central computer that received and stored the data. Results indicated that three issues need to be considered in planning future initiatives in electronic monitoring: (1) the risk of increased domestic friction, particularly when a defendant is unemployed; (2) the importance of involving the probation department in a counseling and information-gathering role; and (3) improving the design of the transmitter to reduce both visibility and discomfort. Results also showed a high violation rate, although electronic monitoring permits a much higher detection rate than other method. Finally, experience in North America suggests that electronic monitoring is more appropriate for convicted offenders than pretrial defendants. 2 references