Electronic Monitoring Devices

Electronic Monitoring Devices

Electronic monitoring devices to track those on probation or parole have been around since the 1980s, but the devices remain highly flawed. False positive alerts overwhelm corrections officials, ‘tamper-proof’ devices can be circumvented, and technical glitches interfere with users’ ability to hold down a job. Despite their defects, electronic monitoring devices are on the rise, often as a solution to overcrowded prisons. According to a Pew study, the number of active, offender monitoring devices increased 140 percent from 2005 to 2015. Electronic monitoring has the potential to keep offenders out of prison safely, but it is important to understand why the devices don’t work well and how we can make them better.