Many people have heard about electronic monitoring and house arrest before, and they probably think of it as a form of transition for someone who is coming out of jail. They may think that individual should be thankful for having such an incredible blessing. They may even think that people don’t deserve such a transition because it’s “too easy” on them.
While these are mostly ill-advised points of view, the one thing that they are wrong about is that this transition is somehow a “blessing” or letting the individual “off easy.” A life of electronic monitoring and house arrest is anything but glamorous and easy. In fact, it is very difficult.
Living under these conditions means that the individual is barely allowed to leave his or her designated “home” area. In addition, they can never take off the monitoring device that they have. Oh, and did we mention that the individual usually has to purchase and pay fees on the equipment that is used to monitor them?
Also, think about how this limits an individual’s ability to socialize; to go out and find a job; to see their family or run errands. Everything becomes more complicated because they are restricted to their home unless certain clearances are made.
Even some of the “blessings” that people who are convicted of crimes receive are still incredibly punishing. This is just a reminder that people accused of a crime have it very tough, even after they pay their debt to society or do their best to transition back into society.
Source: Mother Jones, “The Quiet Horrors of House Arrest, Electronic Monitoring, and Other Alternative Forms of Incarceration,” Maya Schenwar, Jan. 22, 2015
