Author ORCID Identifier
Armstrong - https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6003-0031
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-22-2011
Publication Title
Journal of Criminal Justice
Volume
39
Issue
2
First Page
175
Last Page
182
Abstract
Purpose
Legislative mandates that require GPS monitoring of offenders add to the existing logistical complexities of community supervision. Challenges in implementing GPS policies and practices are heightened by the lack of sound empirical research. Studies examining the relationships between GPS monitoring of sex offenders in the community and the legislative goals of public safety, deterrence, and cost effectiveness are virtually nonexistent. To begin to address this gap in the literature, this study examines the impact of a statutorily-based GPS monitoring program for adult sex offenders convicted of dangerous crimes against children and placed under community supervision.
Method
Official offender generated alert data for DCAC Sex Offenders in Maricopa County, AZ are examined from the time of legislative mandate for a subsequent two year period.
Results
Analyses highlight the significant number of equipment related alerts triggered by a loss of satellite signal for offenders under GPS monitoring as a key concern as well as a significant increase in officer workload as a result.
Conclusions
A divergence between legislative goals and practical application of mandated GPS monitoring programs exists. GPS technology is far more limited than anticipated and should be viewed as a tool rather than depended upon as a control mechanism.
Recommended Citation
Armstrong, G.S. & Freeman, B.C. (2011). Examining GPS monitoring alerts triggered by sex offenders: The divergence of legislative goals and practical application in community corrections. Journal of Criminal Justice, 39(2), 175-182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2011.01.006
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Comments
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Elsevier in Journal of Criminal Justice on February 22, 2011, available online: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2011.01.006