NCJ Number
122087
Journal
Journal of Offender Monitoring Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1990) Pages: 21-23
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Offender accountability within the community is the core of the Norfolk County, Massachusetts, Electronic Incarceration Program (E.I.P.), developed in December 1987 as a cost-effective correctional alternative and measure to prevent premature release from overcrowded facilities.
Abstract
To date, over 150 low-risk offenders have participated in the program which emphasizes job skill development, full-time employment, and substance abuse treatment. The parameters for participant selection are community ties, history of employment with one employer, evidence of personal motivation to become productive, and a willingness to remain "chemically clean." To allay public safety concerns, the sheriff's department chose a continuously signaling monitoring system. Before the system was inaugurated, other agencies previewed the system, public meetings were held, and the media publicized the program. A department representative met with each court's presiding judge, probation chief, and staff. Experienced personnel with backgrounds as line correction officers were chosen as field staff and supervisor. A daily fee charged the offenders is used to compensate courts for victim restitution payment and outstanding fines and family support payments. The typical participant is a 24-year old white male committed for alcohol-related offenses who is serving a 60-day sentence. The program has experienced a completion rate of 138 positive terminations out of 155 total. It reinforces positive reintegration into the community and is cost effective. The program will be expanded only after considering public safety concerns; these concerns are mitigated by offender programming and intense staff supervision.