Punitiveness of electronic monitoring: Perception and experience of an alternative sanction

Abstract

Electronic monitoring (EM) serves as an alternative sanction to incarceration. An important aspect that remains only scarcely debated in the literature is EM’s punitiveness and, more specifically, exactly how punitive EM is in comparison to different forms of incarceration. Responding to this gap, we propose a systematic meta-analysis of relevant studies that scrutinizes and compares different studies on EM and its punitive effects (or perceptions of its degree of punitiveness) in relation to incarceration. Ultimately, there is no simple and straightforward answer: EM’s level of punitiveness differs with the various sociodemographic variables of respondents included in the studies and the various characteristics of the penal system. It is necessary to assess the degree of punitiveness of EM to determine the conditions under and terms with which it should be applied, for example, as a humane substitute for incarceration or as an additional pain of the penal system.

Electronic Surveillance in Court Proceedings and in the Execution of Criminal Penalties: Legislative and Logistical Steps Regarding Operationalising the Electronic Monitoring Information System (EMIS) in Romania

“…Although not perfectly (Lima Machado et al 2017;Dünkel 2018;Richter et al 2021;Jones 2014), once the EMIS is operationalised, they could bring advantages if compared with the traditionally used devices (Graham and McIvor 2017;Wallace-Capretta and Roberts 2013;Nellis 2014;Daubal et al 2013;Jakkhupan and Klaypaksee 2014;Oduor et al 2014;Henneguelle et al 2016), being a good alternative to overcrowded cost-incurring prisons.…”