Effectiveness of electronic monitoring applied as integral part of alternative criminal sanctions or measures

Abstract

The author analyzes the use of electronic monitoring in the punishment or control behavior of the convicted persons in the Republic of Serbia. The author criticizes the frequent imposition of house arrest (with or without electronic monitoring) instead of community service and a suspended sentence with supervision and proposal of amending the Criminal Code to extend the house arrest for two years. Citing the results of foreign research, the author concludes that electronic surveillance is not effective in preventing recidivism of the convicted persons, if it is not combined with therapeutic measures. The most effective is the electronic monitoring that lasts longer than six months as part of a suspended sentence (probation) or parole - the length of supervision loses its effectiveness. The author warns that electronic monitoring should not be used solely for the purpose of reducing prison overcrowding, but to facilitate the implementation of therapeutic programs that affect the offender.

Keywords

• serbia
• alternative criminal sanctions
• probation
• electronic monitoring
• house arrest
• home detention
• parole