Electronic Monitoring in the Netherland: A Means to Improve Probation Supervision

• In Event: Electronic Monitoring in Europe

Abstract

In the Netherlands, electronic monitoring (EM) has been in use since 1995. Currently, it is being applied in several stages of the criminal justice process, most notably to conditionally release from prison. EM is not a standalone measure in the Netherlands; it is always accompanied by probation supervision. In essence, EM is used to monitor a curfew order and/or a location ban. Probationers can be submitted to various programs, next to being electronically monitored, such as behavioral interventions, mental health treatment or addiction treatment. During the probation period, much emphasis is placed on reintegration into society by promoting work and/or schooling. Accordingly, the goal of probation supervision is to prevent re-offending and to steer people towards a conventional lifestyle. This presentation will discuss the ways in which these probation objectives are reflected in Dutch EM practice.

Author

• Miranda Boone, Utrecht University