NCJ Number
156502
Journal
Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1995) Pages: 26-28
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Electronic monitoring provides a technological and cost- effective alternative to incarceration for juvenile offenders, one that protects the community and controls juvenile offenders when combined with other sanctions such as curfews, home detention, and home incarceration.
Abstract
Electronic monitoring tracks and monitors offender movement using a central computer and devices attached to the offender's leg or wrist and may be used at various points in the juvenile justice system. For example, electronic monitoring may initially be imposed to monitor the movement of juveniles on home detention or it may be applied as an intermediate sanction for juveniles who have committed an infraction while in an intensive probation program. Electronic monitoring equipment varies considerably in sophistication but relies on the use of telephone lines, a central computer, and tracing devices. Electronic monitoring program costs vary by type of equipment, number of staff, and caseload size. Costs for equipment are estimated to range from $3.17 to $411 per day; annual program operation costs vary between $46,317 and $77,000. These costs are low in comparison to secure detention and institutions where costs range from $42 to $500 per day and from $98,420 to $113,400 per year. Criteria for selecting offenders to participate in electronic monitoring programs are examined. Benefits of electronic monitoring are noted, implementation issues are discussed, and factors to consider before implementing an electronic monitoring program are listed. 6 references