NCJ Number
177189
Journal
Journal of Offender Monitoring Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: Winter 1999 Pages: 15-19
Date Published
1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article summarizes some of the issues discussed at the first European conference on the electronic monitoring of offenders, October 15-17, 1998.
Abstract
There has been a rapid growth of interest in electronic monitoring (EM) in European criminal justice systems. Well-established schemes in Sweden, England, and the Netherlands are being followed by pilot projects in Scotland and Belgium. The conference considered the experiences of Australia, Canada, and the United States, but the 15 countries at the conference focused mainly on developments in Europe, on current policy and practice issues, research, and technical and other operational aspects. The conference included a workshop on developing best practices, which should include: (1) good communication to all involved, including offenders and sentencers; (2) sanctions that are clearly established and consistently and fairly applied; (3) insurance of offenders' rights, non-discriminatory practice and informed consent; (4) adequate resourcing and adaptable, trained staff; and (5) a proper balance between personal and electronic supervision and between help, treatment, and control. Table