Electronic Monitoring and Family Control in Probation and Parole

Abstract

This study provides an empirical exploration of the effects of electronic monitoring on the family's contribution to external constraint of felony offenders under community supervision. Data pertinent to this question were collected from probationers and parolees in two large metropolitan areas of a southwestern state using a pre-test-post-test design. Statistical analyses indicate that reported levels of family control did not change significantly during the approximately three months of electronic monitoring to which these offenders were subjected. Analyses further indicate that neither demographic variables, offense type, or substance abuse history is significantly related to the levels of familial control reported by these offenders.