Did you know that one person in the US is arrested every three seconds?
While this is a staggering figure, it’s undeniable that criminal charges are a common occurrence. People from any walk of life can be charged with a crime and locked away until their trial. Some of these people will be convicted and others won’t.
Regardless of guilt, incarceration alternatives like house arrest and probation are a better choice. Read on to learn how a house arrest ankle bracelet can benefit any accused individual.
They’re Effective
One of the biggest arguments against house arrest incarceration alternatives is that they’re less effective. However, this couldn’t be further than the case. GPS ankle monitoring uses up-to-date tracking technology to ensure that the person wearing it is always where they’re supposed to be.
Parole officers can track the whereabouts of the person 24/7. This gives them the option of dropping in to pay them a surprise visit at any time. Additionally, it ensures that the person wearing the ankle bracelet won’t go to an unauthorized location or try to flee.
A house arrest ankle bracelet also monitors the blood alcohol concentration of the wearer. This ensures that they do not use alcohol during this time. This is good for everyone but is especially effective for those whose alleged crimes stem back to substance abuse.
They Aren’t a Punishment Before Accusation
When a person is charged with a crime, they are still innocent until proven guilty. Unfortunately, they may be sent to jail anyway to await trial. This is a painful and traumatic experience that may result in an innocent person facing undue retribution.
Many people who are fitted with high-quality GPS monitoring anklets are still awaiting trial. This means that they’re still innocent and sending them to jail is unjust. An ankle bracelet affords them more freedom until they await trial, does not isolate them, and doesn’t stop their life from moving forward (albeit differently).
They Allow for Employment
One of the best things about probation is that the person doesn’t need to be at home 100% of the time. They generally won’t be allowed out for social reasons or even to shop- that much is true. However, most people who are on house arrest are allowed to go to and from work each day.
This gives the person a sense of fulfilment and purpose. It keeps them contributing to others and to society in a positive way. It also helps to pay for costs relating to their trial, which is extremely beneficial for struggling families.
Employment lets arrested people do something that they love, but it also gives them the chance to leave the house. Transporting themselves to and from work lets them see sunlight and even get exercise in some cases. It provides something stable and normal in a world that’s being uprooted.
They Give People Support After Arrest
Being sent to jail is a traumatic experience. There’s no sugar coating the increased stress and the anxiety and depression that it can lead to. Many incarcerated individuals finish their sentences with overwhelming PTSD and painful paranoia.
One of the reasons that jail is so traumatizing is that it isolates the arrested person from loved ones. They won’t ever be able to see friends and family as they await trial. This combined with the lack of phone or internet access for communicating with them can cause damage even before conviction.
Incarcerating the accused leaves them with no support during an exceedingly difficult time. However, when under house arrest, the person can have visitors over during most hours of the day. They also can go to work and interact with coworkers.
Furthermore, unlimited phone and internet access mean that they can talk to loved ones any time they wish to. Even if technology is monitored, the person will still have love and support during a trying time.
They’re an Inexpensive Alternative
Up until this point, we’ve been discussing the reasons that families of defendants, bail bonds officers, defense attorneys, and probation officers may want to advocate for house arrest.
If you’re an attorney or a prosecutor, your priority is likely saving money. Offenders and their families pay for all home monitoring services as well as the person’s food, rent, and other needs. Since incarceration can cost taxpayers and courts up to $31,000 per year, the amount of money you’ll save by advocating for house arrest is untold.
Looking into alternatives to jail benefits everyone, not only the person who is awaiting trial.
They Promote Rehabilitation
Another way that probation benefits everyone in society is the likelihood of rehabilitation. Studies show that those who are placed under house arrest have lower recidivism rates than those who are thrown in jail.
Incarceration is more retributive while house arrest actually stops future crimes from being committed. This reduces the possibility of more crimes later and keeps others safe.
Look Into Incarceration Alternatives Today
Now that you know why GPS ankle bracelets are extremely effective as incarceration alternatives, it’s time to begin getting the accused person in your life the best possible bargain. Contact us with any questions about ankle monitoring devices for your client or family member.
Our experts are happy to help you select a product that does exactly what you need it to do. We’re also happy to answer any general questions about house arrest. Since we pride ourselves on helping those awaiting trial and their families, we look forward to you getting in touch.