Citation

Gable RS, Gable† RK. J. Technol. Hum. Serv. 2016; 34(1): 13-31.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15228835.2016.1138839

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Mobile surveillance of offenders was first demonstrated more than 50 years ago, although not with the taken-for-granted punitive emphasis that it has acquired today. Contemporary use of Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking indicates that it can reduce certain types of offenses while the person is being monitored; however sustained beneficial effects remain in doubt. Given the long history of numerous crime-fighting proposals, and the persistent orientation towards punishment, the probability that electronic tracking in its present forms will eventually prove to be a worthwhile advance is not great. This article explores the history of offender tracking technologies, including GPS tracking. The article also seeks to resurrect some of the original, nonpenal, hopes for mobility monitoring (using an array of digital systems and devices) with the intention of remaking electronic monitoring into a "persuasive technology."

Language: en

Keywords

Persuasive technology; tracking