Pretrial Home Detention With Electronic Monitoring

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Abstract
The problem of overcrowding in U.S. state and federal prisons and jails has prompted searches for alternatives to incarceration for persons already sentenced or awaiting trial. One of the most visible alternatives adopted is electronically monitored home detention, or "house arrest. " This article reports on one study conducted in Indianapolis, Indiana to evaluate the effectiveness of electronically monitored home detention for 224 defendants awaiting resolution of charges against them. Tracking of those in the program revealed that successful completion of monitored detention was more likely if the person had (a) a suitable living arrangement, where parents or a spouse also lived, and (b) a criminal record, if any, consisting of only minor offenses. The importance of defendant screening, organization and effective management of the monitoring, and program coordination among involved judges, prosecutors, and otheragents is emphasized.

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