Global Positioning System for High-Risk Gang Offenders
Problems addressed
Effectiveness

Promising

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Promising

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Life periods served
Where the program was applied
Country of application
Description

This is an electronic monitoring strategy that tracks the movement of parolees that are prone to being recruited by gangs.
It has two components:
1) GPS monitoring, which provides the exact location of the person, and the center then issues daily reports and automatic text messages, informing the probation officer about the type of infraction committed. The offender is notified directly via the device, which will beep or vibrate, requiring immediate contact with the referring officer;
2) Intensive supervision, which includes frequent contact with conditional release agents. Upon release from prison, the inmate participates in a meeting where they are informed about the dynamics of GPS monitoring and the obligation of supervised release; in case of refusal, the individual returns to the closed system.

Impact evaluations

An impact evaluation showed that the GPS monitoring program has reduced recidivism into new crimes and violent crimes, but presented a higher probability of technical tampering with the device [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Gies, S. V., Gainey, R., Cohen, M. I., Healy, E., Yeide, M., Bekelman, A. y Bobnis, A. (2013). Monitoring High-Risk Gang Offenders with GPS Technology: An Evaluation of the California Supervision Program. Final Report. Washington, D.C. National Institute of Justice (NIJ). https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/244164.pdf

Information source