FACT
SHEET
THE ELECTRONIC MONITORING (EMP) PROGRAM
In
May 2001, the Massachusetts Probation Service, under the auspices
of the Office of the Commissioner of Probation, began monitoring
offenders ordered by a judge to wear an electronic bracelet in
the Commonwealth. This marks the first time in the history of
the Massachusetts Probation Service that the Service is responsible
for monitoring its own probationers by electronic bracelet. The
Service also monitors offenders on parole and from the Department
of Corrections.
There
are approximately 300 offenders on electronic bracelet. The Electronic
Monitoring Program was designed to provide structure, control
and accountability for selected probationers and parolees as well
as to provide an extra layer of safety to the community at large.
Under
the Electronic Monitoring Program, also known as the EMP Program,
a designated number of electronic bracelets have been provided
to each of the 105 courts that comprise the Massachusetts Trial
Court System. The courts include District, Superior, Probate and
Family and Juvenile. Each court administers the electronic bracelet
on an offender/client immediately following a judge’s decision.
The EMP’s central office is open 24 hours a day, seven days a
week. The implementation process of the EMP Program has been gradual
to ensure accurate and effective monitoring.
Probation
Officers at various courts throughout the Commonwealth are responsible
for applying the electronic bracelet on the probationer. The Probation
Officer is also responsible for the supervision of their assigned
probationers who are placed on the EMP Program.
HOW
THE BRACELET WORKS
- If the offender
leaves his or her home at a time not authorized by a judge,
a sensor would indicate that the probationer is out of range.
- If the bracelet
is tampered with (banged or hit), a sensor would indicate
a violation.
- If tampering
or removal of the bracelet occurs, the Probation Department
is alerted.
- If the probationer
has absconded, a warrant is issued immediately.
