Citation

Haverkamp R, Woessner G. J. Technol. Hum. Serv. 2016; 34(1): 117-138.

Copyright

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

DOI

10.1080/15228835.2016.1139918

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In Germany, Electronic Monitoring (EM) is currently applied in two different areas. As of 2000, in the German state of Hesse, Radio Frequency (RF) EM has been used for probationers to avoid (re)imprisonment. Approximately 4 years ago, a federal law came into force allowing for Global Positioning System (GPS) EM of high-risk offenders after prison release. In spite of these ongoing areas of application, a pilot project featuring GPS-EM of prisoners was carried out as a means of release preparation in the German state of Baden-Württemberg from October 2010 until March 2012. This article gives an overview of the different areas of application of EM in Germany and analyzes its nationwide use. Furthermore, the rationale and the outcome of the pilot project in Baden-Württemberg are presented in detail. In conclusion, the authors raise serious doubts about the rehabilitative potential of EM with respect to the current evaluative findings.

Language: en

Keywords

surveillance; rehabilitation; Electronic monitoring; high-risk offenders