Why is Electronic Monitoring so Popular?

Electronic monitoring devices are being used increasingly to keep track of people’s activities, especially those who are serving some sort of time set forth by a court order. Law enforcement agencies are taking advantage of this form of monitoring for many different reasons and the devices are becoming more accurate and easier to use.

What is an Electronic Monitoring Device?

The electronic monitoring device is a tracking device typically using some sort of GPS tracking format to locate a person that is logged into the system that monitors it. The devices can be worn on the ankles or on the wrist. Many of the devices can be programmed specifically for the person who is being monitored telling the system what areas the person can be allowed in and what areas the person is barred from.

Types of Electronic Monitoring Devices

Several different types of these devices are on the market today with more being added routinely. The main types of electronic monitors include:

• Active Tracker. This uses satellites and reports a person’s position on a periodic basis. If the person monitored enters a restricted area, the system will notify the court or law enforcement.


• Passive Tracker. The passive tracker tracks and logs information for download by authorities at a later time. This monitoring is used for those who are at less of a risk of breaking the court order that has them being monitored.


• Breathalyzer. This type of monitor is used in conjunction with alcohol infractions. The breathalyzer can be set up to monitor the person at home and at court ordered specific times the person can conduct a breathalyzer test without having to appear at a medical facility or jail.

Why is Electronic Monitoring Popular?

Learning about the different types of monitoring that the court system conducts you can see that the strain on manpower to perform all of these types of monitoring is large. Without the electronic monitoring equipment, law enforcement had to resort to following people around to maintain their whereabouts, had to track offenders down in order to have them submit to random, or scheduled testing. The electronic monitors virtually remove this added burden to an already overloaded court and law enforcement system.