Electronic monitoring, often through the use of ankle-worn devices, serves as an alternative to incarceration for individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences. The types of offenses that might lead to this form of supervision vary widely depending on jurisdiction, the severity of the alleged or convicted crime, and the individual’s criminal history. Example situations might involve driving under the influence (DUI), domestic violence offenses, theft, or certain drug-related charges where a judge deems the individual a low enough risk to the community.
Utilizing electronic monitoring offers numerous advantages. It can reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities, lower the financial burden on taxpayers associated with incarceration, and allow individuals to maintain employment and family ties while still being held accountable for their actions. Historically, its use has grown as a means of balancing public safety concerns with the desire for less punitive and more rehabilitative approaches to criminal justice.
