The Effects Of Electronic Monitoring On Offenders

The Effects of Electronic Monitoring on Offenders and the Traditional Ways of Supervision An In-depth Analysis Name of Student University CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Background of the Study We are in a digital world. Our generation today is already bound within the corners of modernization and innovation. Henceforth, in the same sense, there is no denying on the fact that our world today is comprised of various technological advancements. There seems to be a newly found either machine or device almost every month. Whether the purpose is merely for pleasure or for addressing greater necessities, there is always something coming up for the world to enjoy and use at its potential best. As these advancements grow, some other aspects of the society also show progression. Relatively, with these progressions, there are a lot of questions that can be raised when it comes to the issue of maximizing our use of technological advancements. Within this purview, there is a need to study such developments in relation to every aspect of life and the society. Wherefore, in connection with what has been stated above, this study would like to discover the facts and issues behind electronic monitoring (EM) of offenders. It aims to uncover the truth behind this new system in criminal justice where offenders are monitored while they ordinarily live in their respective communities. As stated in a study conducted by Roman, et al., in Washington D.C., EM reduces by 24% the chances of having to arrest recidivist or repetitive offenders1. This is a significantly attractive figure compared to other places that do not practice EM. On the same note, it gives us the idea that implementing EM in communities may in fact has the potential to supervise the offenders within those communities. It may stimulate changes that 1 John Roman and others, ‘The Costs and Benefits of Electronic Monitoring for Washington, D.C.’ (The Urban Institute, 2012) 3. are helpful to support the justice system in carrying out their duty to monitor offenders in a more convenient manner. However, while EM seems to be a promising way to monitor offenders these days, it is of equal importance to discover if it indeed supports the traditional way of supervising offenders. A shift into another form of supervising offenders surely changes a lot of things. If there is such change, how certain are we in redefining it in accordance with the real purpose and objective of the law governing the supervision of offenders? Clearly, there is a need to elaborate on how EM supports the traditional ways of monitoring and supervising offenders because through such elaboration, we will be able to understand how it affects the communities as well as the offenders themselves. More so, we will be able to understand if it indeed offers more benefits to our justice system than risks and disadvantages. Statement of the Problem With the ongoing technological advancements present today and with the emerging usage of EM in most states and countries, the purpose of this study is to seek for the answers to the following questions: 1 In what ways does EM of offenders support traditional ways of supervising offenders in the community? 2 In what ways does EM of offenders threaten the offenders that are being monito...