Electronic monitoring is a technological tool to enhance surveillance of offenders in the community. On December 24, 2004, the Department of Corrections was electronically monitoring 705 offenders.
While electronic monitoring can help improve offender supervision, it is not currently used for the highest risk offenders. Currently, 70% of the offenders on electronic monitoring are on community control supervision, a prison diversion program serving offenders with mostly property or drug offenses. Only 30% of the electronic monitoring units are used to supervise more dangerous habitual and sex offenders. Shifting the monitoring units to more dangerous offenders could be done by making electronic monitoring a standard condition of supervision, requiring the Department of Corrections to use its risk assessment instrument to prioritize offenders for this supervision, and giving the department the discretion to require use of this technology.
Electronic monitoring provides greater surveillance of offenders under supervision, but its effect on deterring future crime is unknown. The department should study the effectiveness of alternate types of electronic monitoring using a valid research design and report the results to the Legislature.

Intermediate Sanctions for Non-Violent Offenders Could Produce Savings
Report 10-27 March 2010
Electronic Monitoring Expanded to Target Communities' More Dangerous Offenders
Report 07-42 November 2007
Department of Corrections Zero Tolerance Policy Increases Offender Scrutiny But Is Not Based on Risk to Public Safety
Report 07-13 February 2007
Several Deficiencies Hinder the Supervision of Offenders in the Community Corrections Program
Report 06-37 April 2006

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.