Electronic Monitoring/GPS - Content Section 1 (ID:170)

 

Electronic Monitoring/Global Positioning System (EM/GPS)

 

The goal of the EM Program is to provide a cost-effective, non-residential and community based service for juvenile offenders which establishes juvenile accountability.  The purpose of the EM program is to provide structure with the proper amount of supervision so that the public is protected, and treatment and services can be provided.

 

Electronic Monitoring is an effective option when paired with treatment and/or programming that meets the needs of the juvenile.  It is a viable option that gives additional structure and supervision of a juvenile while maintaining the protection of the community, with less cost than secure custody options.  However, used alone, EM services themselves have to the contrary shown no evidence of being a further deterrent from engaging in future criminal behavior once the youth is no longer being monitored.

 

The program proposes solely to use Electronic Monitoring services as an enhancement when combined with other services for the juvenile and their family (i.e., when combined with Tracker Services or Family Support for Juveniles).  Although EM provides for increased accountability in the supervision of the youth, it cannot be relied upon to be the only deterrent.

 

The EM service through the Families F.I.R.S.T. will utilize GPS monitoring systems.  GPS technology is used to track the whereabouts of the client throughout the community. There are two types of GPS devices that will be utilized in the performance of this contract: Active GPS and Passive GPS.

 

Active GPS is near real-time GPS data from satellites and is reported immediately to staff.  GPS data can be accessed via a secure website as it happens. Passive GPS data is collected and stored throughout the day and reported after the client arrives home and places the device in a docking station connected to their home phone line. The data is reported at that time and can be reviewed by staff via a secure website. Both types of devices plot locations on a map, so staff can review them.

 

Both types of devices, active and passive, utilize an ankle bracelet design. Data collected include travel speed and direction, time, and date. Exclusion zones are created; therefore, staff may be notified if the client enters the zones. Staff would then contact the client to let them know that they are in a restricted area. Police officers may be notified/dispatched as well if needed. Cell phone technology built into the devices is used to communicate the GPS data to the monitoring center.  GPS allows for the monitoring of clients that may otherwise be required to be detained in more restrictive environments, which is consistent with Families F.I.R.S.T. Wraparound Model, to maintain youth in the least restrictive capacity.

 

The Electronic Monitoring Program provides several benefits to participants and their families.  These benefits include:

 

·       The ability to be supervised in the least restrictive manner in lieu of detainment

·       The ability to participate in community-based services in order to implement treatment in a timely manner

·       The ability to receive assistance towards rehabilitation within the home environment, where continued success in demonstrating more socially acceptable behavior is the ultimate challenge.

·       GPS Monitoring, when used in an urban area where cellular coverage is comprehensive, provides an excellent safety tool for community supervision.

 

During the first two weeks on EM services youth will be expected to be at home except for when attending school or other appointments /activities approved by the Family Team.  After two-weeks, youth who are able to demonstrate compliance with the EM Program will be eligible for an extended curfew and more free time.  This process of incentives will continue until the youth is able to be discharged from EM Services (approximately 60 days).   A family team meeting will be held to discuss the appropriateness of discharging the youth from this service.

 

Youth will be terminated from EM services if:

 

·       They abscond

·       Purposefully damage the EM equipment

·       Are detained

·       Continuously fail to abide by the terms of their EM parameters