Can Electronic Monitoring Make a Difference? An Evaluation of Three Canadian Programs

Electronic monitoring (EM) is a correctional program promising an alternative to imprisonment. The present study compared EM programs that differed in setting (corrections-based vs. court-based) and the type of supervision (custodial staff vs. probation officers). EM offenders were also compared with inmates and probationers matched for offender risk. The results showed that type of program was unrelated to program completion or recidivism and that EM had a net-widening effect. Type of supervision showed some relationship with offender and staff views of the program but, in general, EM added little value to more traditional forms of community control.