NCJ Number
133410
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 55 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1991) Pages: 26-30
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The implementation and policy development of current electronic monitoring in Federal pretrial release programs is discussed, and its effectiveness evaluated.
Abstract
Prior to implementation of an electronic surveillance program, a specific need must be determined. After the need is established, the following technical aspects require consideration: selecting a contractor; training of pretrial services staff and judicial officers; and developing policies on operational issues such as supervision methods and frequency, officer safety, defining violations, and response to violations. Current Federal pretrial release programs which use an active system and a passive system in the 17 Federal districts that operate electronic monitoring programs are described. Using demographic data on 168 Federal defendants on electronic monitoring, the effectiveness of policy development by pretrial release programs is examined. Program efficacy is also measured by a comparison of failure to appear rates and rearrest rates for both felony and misdemeanor with national rates and the rates for the 17 districts. Although further study of the effectiveness of the program to deter the defendant from fleeing or from presenting danger to the community is required, electronic monitoring shows promise as an effective alternative to pretrial detention in pretrial release cases. 2 tables and 3 notes