Many years after its development, electronic monitoring, has led to a numerous amount of enhancements within the criminal justice system. Particularly within law enforcement and justice systems, this technology has become a growing, supplemental tool. Historically, the use of electronics in the justice system has helped in creating alternative arrangements for sentencing offenders.

In the 1960’s Harvard Psychologist, Robert Schwitzgebel, wanted to establish a more cost-effective alternative to incarceration of people within the justice system. Dr. Schwitzgebel established a transmitter that produced signals, those signals were then sent to a receiver they were then processed and received within a certain range. Although the device existed in the 60’s, it was not until the 80’s when the device was implemented.

Since then a lot has changed with technology and the courts. More than ever, there has been a need to lessen prison populations. Today, Intermediate sanctions have been popular in attempting to help reduce overcrowded facilities. House arrest, electronic monitoring, and many other sanctions have become more popular methods over jail or prison sentences. Giving offenders these intermediate sanctions can give them options for treatment and offer services to help them. …show more content…
These devices are most often ordered sanctions to make sure offenders are completing the conditions sentences to them and are alternatives to jail or prison. EM is a tool to help probation and parole officers. Typically, the monitor is placed around an offender’s ankle or wrist and they are required to keep it in tact for a specific amount of time. In place since the 1980’s, electronic monitoring systems attempt to control offender involvement within the community and offer constant supervision limiting their chances to