The correctional system

The correctional system has the responsibility of supervising offenders sentenced for their crimes. This includes both incarcerated offenders, as well as offenders serving sentences in the community. To reduce our nation's overcrowded prisons, the courts have been challenged with sentencing offenders to the community in lieu of going to prison using Intermediate Sanctions, otherwise known as alternative sanctions.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of sentencing individuals to house arrest with GPS monitoring?

Should those convicted of sexual offenses be precluded from being sentenced to house arrest with GPS monitoring? Explain.

Full Answer Section

Disadvantages of house arrest with GPS monitoring:

  • Lack of rehabilitation services: House arrest often does not provide offenders with access to rehabilitation services, such as drug treatment and job training.
  • Reduced supervision: House arrest provides less supervision than incarceration.
  • Potential for escape: Offenders on house arrest have the potential to escape.
  • Privacy concerns: GPS monitoring raises privacy concerns.

Should those convicted of sexual offenses be precluded from being sentenced to house arrest with GPS monitoring?

There is no consensus on whether or not those convicted of sexual offenses should be precluded from being sentenced to house arrest with GPS monitoring. Some people believe that sexual offenders should be incarcerated regardless of the severity of their crime, while others believe that house arrest with GPS monitoring can be an effective way to supervise and rehabilitate sexual offenders.

There are some arguments against sentencing sexual offenders to house arrest with GPS monitoring:

  • Sexual offenders may pose a risk to the community, even while under house arrest.
  • GPS monitoring may not be sufficient to prevent sexual offenders from re-offending.
  • Victims of sexual offenses may feel threatened by the prospect of their offender being on house arrest.

However, there are also some arguments in favor of sentencing sexual offenders to house arrest with GPS monitoring:

  • House arrest can help to reduce recidivism among sexual offenders.
  • House arrest can allow sexual offenders to maintain their jobs and support themselves and their families.
  • House arrest can reduce the risk of sexual offenders being victimized by other inmates.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to sentence a sexual offender to house arrest with GPS monitoring should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the severity of the crime, the risk posed to the community, and the offender's likelihood of re-offending.

If a sexual offender is sentenced to house arrest with GPS monitoring, it is important to put in place strict conditions, such as requiring the offender to wear a GPS monitor at all times, limiting the offender's contact with victims of sexual offenses, and prohibiting the offender from going to certain places, such as schools and parks. It is also important to have a plan in place for responding to violations of the house arrest conditions.

Sample Answer

Advantages of house arrest with GPS monitoring:

  • Cost-effectiveness: House arrest is much less expensive than incarceration.
  • Reduced recidivism: Studies have shown that offenders on house arrest are less likely to re-offend than offenders who are incarcerated.
  • Maintenance of family ties: House arrest allows offenders to maintain their relationships with their families and children.
  • Ability to work: House arrest allows offenders to continue working and supporting themselves and their families.
  • Reduced risk of victimization: House arrest reduces the risk of offenders being victimized by other inmates.