NCJ Number
212972
Journal
Journal of Offender Monitoring Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: 2005 Pages: 12-14
Date Published
2005
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article presents survey findings concerning the capabilities and operational characteristics of currently implemented Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) electronic monitoring (GPS-EM) programs.
Abstract
Findings from the survey revealed a number of areas for GPS-EM program improvement, including the need to hire additional staff and improve equipment matching assessment techniques that are designed to match offenders with appropriate alternative sanctions. Greater staff education, technology improvements, and public education on program capabilities were also recommended program improvements. Electronic monitoring programs first emerged in Florida and New Mexico during the early 1980s as an alternative to the expensive and effective incarceration of low-risk, nonviolent offenders. Although GPS-EM programs are increasingly utilized as an alternative sanction, the research literature is relatively silent about their operational characteristics. As such, survey data were collected from 19 managers of currently implemented GPS-EM programs in 16 States regarding the operation of the system and suggested improvements. Results are presented in table format and indicate program and offender characteristics, technology characteristics, and operational objectives of the programs. Tables, references