Prison Population is Down – Technology Assists
The Pew Center released a report recently that shows prison population in the United States has dropped by 4 percent in 2009. There are several important reasons for the trend (including GPS Tracking). These are active trends and not passive, meaning that there are significant forces behind the decline. These include the following:
The Economy & Financial Forces
Everyone recognizes the impact that economic conditions and the resulting financial crises have had on all areas of society. It is becoming more expensive to administer incarceration services not to mention the cost of buildings and infrastructure needed to house prisoners. This has forced court systems to look towards alternatives to sentencing to time served in jail and prison systems.
Advances in Behavioral Sciences
The study of behavior and the correlation to criminal acts has increased. This intensive push has uncovered methods and inroads into reducing crime. Even though criminal activities remain constant, the ways of dealing with them have been modified which has helped stem the tide and reduced recidivism rates. The accessibility of this data to court systems has created an environment that has established positive help and support for criminals rather than just sending them behind bars (except in the most serious of criminal activities).
Risk Assessment Improvements
Being able to recognize and react to high-risk persons towards criminal activities has helped head off potential problems before they occur. Counseling is readily available in most communities and it has less of a negative stigma associated with it than ever before.
Public Support for Alternatives to Incarceration
Attitudes toward alternatives in serving sentences have changed and more people realize that incarceration is no longer a prudent way for society to hold the majority of those who are guilty of crimes to fulfill their sentences. Think about it this way: if a convicted criminal spends X number of days, weeks, months or years behind bars, what chances do they have to improve their circumstances? In reality – none.
But with alternative programs, not only do they have the opportunity to change themselves, but also remain productive citizens throughout the community. They can provide for themselves and their families financially while at the same time remain under the watch of the court system in paying the price for their crime.
Improved Crime Prevention Programs
Crime prevention programs like the neighborhood watch program are valuable in that they help deter crime. With more awareness of criminal activities comes an ‘ownership’ of the problem and a watchful eye when observing what might be questionable activity.
Implementation of Technology based Solutions
Ankle monitoring systems have been used in tracking those who have been convicted of non-violent crimes for years. Now GPS Tracking systems are taking their place because signals can be monitored from anywhere on the planet. With the maturing of this technology comes reliance upon it to help fill gaps that were inherent with older technology.
This technology will continue to evolve, too, as manufacturers incorporate new methods and options that will help make it even better.
GPS Tracking is just one of the reasons that prison population is going down but it is not insignificant. Rather, it is a major reason and will continue to be in the future.
By JAMES NEELY / guest writer
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â James is a freelance writer for Rocky Mountain Tracking based in Fort Collins Colorado, a provider of GPS tracking products, software and accessories. For information about Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc. visit www.RMTracking.com.
