NCJ Number
130905
Journal
Federal Prisons Journal Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring 1991) Pages: 23-27
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reports on an evaluation of a Federal pilot project -- the Community Control Project -- designed to test the feasibility of confining parolees in their homes by means of electronic monitors to ensure that parolees do not leave the home except when authorized.
Abstract
The project selected offenders eligible for release on parole from the metropolitan areas of Miami and Los Angeles. Participating offenders were confined to their homes as a condition of parole during the 60-180 days they would have otherwise spent in a halfway house. Based on the experience gained from the project, electronic monitoring does provide immediate disclosure of any unauthorized absence from the home. Home confinement is less expensive than residence in a halfway house, but revocation leading to a return to prison offsets the savings somewhat. An effective home confinement program requires personal parole officer supervision in addition to the electronic monitoring. Such personal supervision ensures that the parolee is working, the living arrangement remains stable, and the parolee is complying with all parole conditions. Overall, the Community Control Project was deemed a success by the agencies involved.