Home      Login

Abstract: 

The Journal of Offender Monitoring 2008–2009 Electronic Monitoring Survey provides detailed information about the principal remote monitoring and tracking products available today—16 home curfew monitoring and 15 offender tracking products. Based on survey responses provided by 14 companies, the survey examines and compares 64 product components that make up these products in much the same way an official RFP does. Readers who are now or will soon be asking for proposals or putting out bids for EM will find the design of this survey, which is presented in five groups of tables, an exceptionally helpful way to organize and think about available equipment in a comprehensive and systematic manner. The survey instrument used to produce this document asked for specific information about each product from several different points of view—from the basic components of the product configuration and how they interact through anti-tamper and security features, field performance, communications with the host as well as the client, and the radio frequency (RF) tether. The survey was distributed in 2007 and initial responses were returned and reviewed. Several manufacturers were asked to complete additional questionnaires. By asking different questions in each section, the Editor was able to identify and correct responses returned with conflicting information, a common occurrence in many RFPs. This cross- verification proved an invaluable safeguard and resulted in a more accurate survey. Information gathering and verification continued through October of 2007. Nevertheless, while readers can be assured that efforts to provide accurate information were diligent, this is a snapshot of a moving target, and changes in specifications or performance may have occurred since the survey was completed. Use the 2008–2009 EM Survey to become familiar with products available today and, more importantly, to become familiar with the technologies and methods used for tracking and monitoring criminal justice clients. Still, readers should seek additional information directly from the manufacturers if your investigation will lead to procuring equipment. Contact information for survey participants and advertisers is included at the end of the survey. As technology continues to advance, monitoring products now offer many more ways of meeting the supervision needs of agencies. It became clear, as we reviewed the myriad of new approaches, that a feature-by-feature comparison is no longer as useful as it had been in previous surveys. That is why a narrative accompanies each table. The narratives point out why and when certain features or combinations of features are important; they also point out why and when “superior” capabilities are less significant when applying the technology to the supervision tasks at hand. Readers should consult the narrative, not just the tables alone. The narrative’s organization parallels the tables and readers. If you are in the market for a new, expanded, or reconfigured monitoring system, the tables and narrative provide a strong foundation on which to begin your research. Includes 24 data tables.

Keywords: Secured Transmitter Bracelets; RF-Based Tracking Systems; Two-Piece Tracking Products; One-Piece Tracking Products; Battery Charging Features; Tracking and Location Accountability; ActSoft, Inc.; Alert Systems Corporation; BI Incorporate; Corrections

Affiliations:  1: Journal Editor.