Inmate Monitoring and Management
Lisa Stolzenberg, Stewart J. D’Alessio · Crime Science · 2025
This chapter explores the evolving landscape of inmate monitoring and management within the criminal justice system, emphasizing the role of technology in balancing public safety and offender rehabilitation. The discussion begins by analyzing electronic monitoring systems, including ankle bracelets and biometric devices, which have become essential tools for supervising offenders. These technologies offer cost-effective alternatives to incarceration while enabling offenders to reintegrate into society under close governmental surveillance. This chapter also examines the technological advancements in monitoring devices, such as GPS tracking, tamper detection, and geofencing, and their implications for law enforcement. However, the rise of these technologies has raised significant privacy concerns and ethical challenges posed by pervasive surveillance. This chapter addresses these concerns while also highlighting the benefits and limitations of these systems, focusing on their effectiveness in reducing recidivism and ensuring community safety. Real-world case studies, including house arrest programs and parole compliance strategies, demonstrate how electronic monitoring can enhance rehabilitation outcomes. The chapter concludes by discussing future trends in inmate management, including the integration of artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, as well as the legal and ethical considerations surrounding these developments.