The Experience of Electronic Monitoring and the Implications for Effective Use

Abstract

Understanding how electronic monitoring (EM) is experienced may helpfully inform implementation to support effective compliance, crime prevention and rehabilitation. This study thematically synthesised the findings of six publications (based on five empirical studies) on EM experience. Eleven themes describing EM experience were developed, and from these, six implications for the effective implementation identified. EM has rehabilitative potential for many (but not all), such as by offering the chance to develop social capital and employment prospects, autonomy and self‐sufficiency. It appears unlikely that EM on its own is enough to bring about compliance beyond the period of monitoring, or achieve rehabilitation and desistance goals.

Participant experiences of a post-release electronic monitoring program for domestic violence in New South Wales, Australia

“…Importantly, the challenges posed by EM on aspects of daily living appeared to often stem from stigma and negative social perceptions of EM wearers. Stigma has been consistently discussed as a barrier to housing, employment, and relationships in previous qualitative research with EM wearers (Howard, 2020). Feelings and experiences of stigma, shame, and embarrassment were commonly expressed by offenders in the present study.…”

“…Qualitative investigations offer valuable insight into the subjective experience of EM. So far, despite growing international interest in and use of EM programs, qualitative findings are scarce (see Howard, 2020). Themes identified in existing studies suggest impacts beyond the EM technology and program itself, reaching into areas of daily living such as employment and relationships, as well as psychological impacts of self-reflection, stigma, and emotional distress (Bales et al, 2010;Gibbs & King, 2003;Hucklesby, 2009;Maidment, 2002;Rados, 2019;Staples & Decker, 2010;.…”