Criminal justice systems have gradually changed to mirror changes in society. Modern chances include engendering flexibilities and also adopting modern technology. Among the important areas of adopting flexibilities include the concepts of probation and parole (Kaeble, Maruschak & Bonczar, 2015). The two concepts are based on the understanding that although all are equal in the eyes of the law, exigent circumstances exist that allow for some to be treated differently. Making the criminal justice system flexible maybe necessary and benign but it can also be hard and expensive, hence the need for technology such as remote location monitoring to ease the process.
By definition, probation means a period of close supervision that is ordered for a convict who would otherwise have been placed in prison for the same period. The general idea is for the convict to observe some preset rules and regulations during that period (Kaeble, Maruschak & Bonczar, 2015). Such conditions can include keeping the peace, limiting movement and avoiding some company. Among the advantages of is reducing congestion in prisons and communicating that overall good behavior counts even when one has a criminal conviction. The primary disadvantage is the cost of closely monitoring convicts during their probation period (Gowen, 2000).
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Parole, on the other hand, means a project that allows for the release of a prisoner before the expiry of a sentence based mainly on the positive conduct of the prisoner. In most cases, a selected board will establish that the prisoner has exhibited remorse sufficiently or has had a sufficient change of character during the period of incarceration (Kaeble, Maruschak & Bonczar, 2015). In most cases, a prisoner has to serve a certain percentage of the full sentence before being eligible for parole. Among the advantages of parole is to encourage good behavior among prisoners which in turn aids the process of rehabilitation. Among the main disadvantages is that it can lead to criminal elements being released back to the community to continue with criminal activities. Monitoring parolees to avoid a resurgence of criminal activities can also be very expensive (Gowen, 2000).
The cost of monitoring is a common challenge in both parole and probation as reflected above; hence remote location monitoring can play a positive role in both. Remote location monitoring is a component of modern technology that enables the real-time tracking down of a device or an ability to collect data about where the device has been (Gowen, 2000). When it comes to parole and probation, remote location monitoring can be applied through the creation of wearable devices. A parolee or convict on probation can be made to wear a bracelet or anklet with an inbuilt monitoring device (Gowen, 2000). The device can then be used to map out where the individual is going or has been hence ensuring that parole or probation rules are being followed.
Remote location monitoring provides an important respite when compared to traditional alternatives. Traditionally, a parole agent or probation officer would have to find ways to keep track of the parolees and those on probation. Among common practices included regular home visits and regular interviews with friends and relatives (Gowen, 2000). Such approaches were not only expensive and in some cases dangerous for the officers involved, but also inaccurate as false information could be given to the officer. Most importantly, the very presence of a device on the person of the parole or probation subject acts as a major deterrence from breaking the set rules and regulations (Gowen, 2000).
Conclusively, probation and parole are examples of positive progress in modern law enforcement and criminal justice systems. Each of the two concepts of probation and parole has positive advantages for the system and parties involved. However, they also both carry a burden of cost when it comes to monitoring compliance. To cure the cost implication, remote location monitoring can be an invaluable tool. The tool can both ease the cost of monitoring while contemporaneously encouraging compliance to set probation or parole terms and conditions.
References
Gowen, D. (2000). Remote Location Monitoring-A Supervision Strategy to Enhance Risk Control. Fed. Probation , 65(2) , 38.
Kaeble, D., Maruschak, L. M., & Bonczar, T. P. (2015). Probation and parole in the United States, 2014. Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), US Department of Justice, and Office of Justice Programs .
