electronic monitoring | Definition

Doc's CJ Glossary by Adam J. McKee
Course: Introduction

Electronic monitoring is the use of electronic equipment to monitor a person’s movement to ensure compliance with court-ordered conditions, such as house arrest.


Electronic monitoring is a form of criminal justice technology that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It involves the use of electronic equipment, such as ankle bracelets, to monitor a person’s movements and ensure that they are complying with court-ordered conditions, such as house arrest or probation.

The technology used in electronic monitoring varies depending on the specific system and the needs of the offender. In some cases, offenders may be required to wear an ankle bracelet that transmits a signal to a monitoring center whenever they leave their homes. Other systems may involve GPS tracking, which allows probation officers or other officials to monitor an offender’s movements in real time.

The use of electronic monitoring has several potential benefits. For one, it can help to reduce prison overcrowding by allowing offenders to serve their sentences at home instead of in a correctional facility. This can be particularly beneficial for non-violent offenders who are not considered a threat to society.

Another advantage of electronic monitoring is that it can be more cost-effective than traditional incarceration. Electronic monitoring systems are typically less expensive than the cost of keeping an offender in jail, and they can help to free up resources for other important areas of the criminal justice system.

Additionally, electronic monitoring can provide greater flexibility for offenders, as they may be able to continue working or attending school while serving their sentence. This can help to ensure that offenders are able to maintain their ties to the community, which can be important for successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

However, there are also potential downsides to electronic monitoring. For one, the technology used in electronic monitoring is not foolproof and may be subject to errors or malfunctions. This means that offenders who are wearing ankle bracelets or other monitoring devices may be falsely accused of violating their conditions, which can lead to additional legal proceedings and other consequences.

Another concern is that electronic monitoring may be overly restrictive for some offenders. For example, offenders who are required to wear ankle bracelets may be limited in their ability to move freely or engage in certain activities, which can be difficult for some individuals.

Additionally, the use of this technology may be seen as a form of punishment in and of itself, particularly if it is used for extended periods of time. Some critics argue that electronic monitoring can be dehumanizing and may not be appropriate for all offenders.


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Last Modified: 04/20/2023

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