Does Electronic Monitoring Reduce Recidivism?

• In Event: Roundtable: Does Electronic Monitoring Reduce Recidivism?

Abstract

Many countries have adopted electronic monitoring (EM) as an alternative sanction for various reasons, e.g., in order to reduce incarceration while maintaining public safety or to reduce recidivism. Especially with regard to the effects of EM on recidivism, however, the empirical evidence is very scarce worldwide. In this roundtable session, we present empirical data from three studies conducted in three different countries, the USA, France, and Germany. Based on the various and heterogeneous results, we will discuss which areas of application of EM may be associated with a recidivism reducing outcome and which may be not. It is discussed whether and to what extent rehabilitation and deterrence are important factors in reducing long-term recidivism, and whether EM can be a cost-effective alternative to short prison sentences.

Authors

• Gunda Woessner, Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Criminal Law

• Peter R. Ibarra, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Katharina Jelena Meuer, Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Criminal Law

• Oren M. Gur, Pennsylvania State University, Abington College

• Anaïs Henneguelle, ENS Cachan (France)

• Jon Maskaly, University of Texas at Dallas