Examining electronic monitoring as one of the alternatives to imprisonment

Abstract

Scientific and practical advancements across all fields of human knowledge are undeniable and progressing at a rapid pace. Governments, as the cornerstone of any nation, are inevitably impacted by these internal changes and transformations. Electronic governance has emerged as a pivotal concept and strategy facilitating administrative efficiency in many societies. Consequently, significant attention has been devoted to its implementation and the development of its infrastructure on a global scale. Our statesmen have been proactive in embracing these advancements in pursuit of effective governance. Electronic surveillance stands out as a crucial component and catalyst within the realm of electronic governance. Primarily aimed at enhancing monitoring efficiency and reducing face-to-face supervision, electronic surveillance employs various mechanisms to achieve its objectives. This article seeks to explore electronic surveillance as a novel alternative to incarceration. With the global population on the rise and technological advancements proliferating, new forms of deviant behavior that infringe upon societal rights have emerged. Governments continue to explore legislative revisions aimed at minimizing custodial sentences, with alternatives to imprisonment gaining prominence. Conditional release, proposed during the French Revolution, is one such alternative. However, the efficacy of these measures in deterring repeat offenses must be carefully considered to fulfill the punitive intent of the law. Current alternatives include suspended sentences, fines, and parole, the latter being applicable post-incarceration, albeit typically once per offender. The resultant prison overcrowding and associated costs have spurred legal and criminological discourse around innovative solutions such as community service, social rights deprivation, home detention, and electronic monitoring. Among these alternatives, electronic monitoring employs various technologies and methodologies. These include recording devices for audio and visual surveillance, interception tools for monitoring communications, software to monitor electronic correspondence, and GPS-enabled devices such as electronic ankle bracelets. These technologies provide judicial systems with effective monitoring tools for convicted individuals, supplementing traditional incarceration methods. In Iran, the adoption of electronic monitoring systems, as outlined in Article 62 of the Islamic Penal Code and related clauses in the Criminal Procedure Law, reflects a growing trend influenced by international practices, particularly in countries like France and the United States. The aim is to mitigate prison overcrowding and minimize societal harm while preserving the dignity and rights of the accused. Studies indicate that alternative sentencing methods reduce recidivism rates and criminal activities among monitored individuals compared to those incarcerated. Despite its advantages, the effectiveness of electronic monitoring systems can be affected by technical issues such as signal interruptions, battery failures, communication disruptions, and inadequate capacity to record locations. Moreover, the implementation and management of such systems require meticulous attention and precision from stakeholders including prisons, law enforcement, monitoring agencies, and judicial bodies.

Keywords

• electronic monitoring
• alternative sentencing
• electronic ankle bracelet
• prison alternatives