NCJ Number
223137
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 46 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2008 Pages: 119-135
Date Published
2008
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Based on the findings of previous research, this article offers recommendations for the use of electronic monitoring (EM) in probation/parole supervision for sex offenders, as well as for future research in this area.
Abstract
Six general recommendations are offered. First, probation/parole officers must recognize that EM is but one tool among many that are required for the supervision of sex offenders. Second, probation/parole officers must recognize the diverse characteristics of sex offenders, which means that interventions and conditions of supervision must be individualized to address each offender's distinctive combination of risks and needs. Third, probation/parole officers must be sensitive to the dynamics of sex offending, which most often involves the targeting of victims known to the offender, particularly when the victims are children. Fourth, probation/parole officers, as well as their supervisors, must be adequately trained in the use of EM strategies for supervising sex offenders. Fifth, in order to prevent isolation and burnout among officers who supervise sex offenders, officers must work in a support network that will help them deal with the stress and challenges of supervising sex offenders. Sixth, probation/parole officers must work with researchers in order to ensure that response strategies that use EM are evidence-based rather than emotionally based responses that have no empirical evidence of effectiveness. Currently, there is no large body of scientific research that documents the crime-reduction impacts of EM; however, much of this research has failed to incorporate adequate controls, has ignored department-level contextual factors, and has analyzed small samples. 66 references