Location Monitoring
Location Monitoring (LM) is a cost-effective alternative to detention. It is a special condition imposed by the Court that requires an individual to remain at home except for certain approved activities such as work, court appearances, religious services, and medical appointments. There are three components of location monitoring: Home Incarceration, Home Detention, and Curfew.
- Home Incarceration is the most restrictive, requiring 24-hour lockdown except for medical needs, court appearances, and activities approved by the court.
- Home Detention requires the participant to remain at home except for pre-approved absences for employment, education, religious services, treatment, and court obligations.
- Curfew is the least restrictive and requires the participant to remain at home during set periods of the day.
Technology
The following are types of technology used to monitor the above-mentioned components of Location Monitoring
Radio Frequency (RF) technology utilizes a transmitter and Field Monitoring Device (FMD), which is placed in a defendant’s residence. The FMD requires a analog phone line and power source. The cost per day is subject to change.
Global Positioning System (GPS) uses a tracking device to record the locations of defendants in the community. This information is immediately available to the officer for review. Cost for this type of monitoring varies per day depending on the level of active GPS assigned to the case.
Alcohol Testing Device (Sobrietor) requires an analog phone line. The sobrietor must be imposed with one of the LM components (Home Incarceration, Home Detention, or Curfew).
Officer Responsibilities
Screen and determine eligibility for location monitoring. (Serious or repeat offenders and those who previously failed on supervision are not recommended to participate.)
Check to make sure clients adhere to their approved schedule.
Check monitoring equipment to make sure that it's working and to look for signs of tampering.
Respond to any alerts that may indicate a problem.
Step in to control and correct noncompliance issues.