Electronic Monitoring Program

The Probation Services Electronic Monitoring (EM) Unit provides supervision and monitoring under one domain to adult and juvenile offenders using our vendor, Sentinel Offender Services. While providing 24 hour structured supervision of an offender’s activities, electronic monitoring also acts as a deterrent in regard to continued acts of criminal behavior against our community. The level of restriction limiting the offenders movement is determined by the court and electronic monitoring supervision is widely viewed and utilized by the courts as an alternative to prison or detention. 

Our most widely used device is the OM500 Global Positioning System (GPS) bracelet. Capable of using GPS satellite and cell-tower signals to give precise locations of offenders, the OM500 is a one-piece, rechargeable, ankle-worn bracelet that is designed to track offenders. EM probation officers can utilize this equipment to track the locations of offenders and ensure compliance with the sanctions imposed by the court. Officers monitor and confirm offender’s travel to work, school, and various treatment programs. In addition, specific restriction zones can be established to provide deterrence and notifications in the form of an alert should offenders enter these unauthorized zones. This capability is used for a variety of circumstances including protecting victims and witnesses, as well as restricting offenders’ abilities to enter known high-crime areas.  

In addition to GPS monitoring, the EM Unit also provides alcohol monitoring services as needed by the court and agency. Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) provides 24 hour a day monitoring of an offender through wearing a bracelet device that measures blood-alcohol levels taken through samples. In addition to SCRAM, the EM Unit utilizes Mobile Breath Alcohol Monitoring units (Remote Breath).  This device remotely monitors an offender’s blood-alcohol level and transmits a supervision report to a web-based monitoring portal. These devices are widely used by officers to monitor offenders dealing with various stages of alcohol abuse and dependency. 

Both GPS and alcohol monitoring can be implemented at various levels of both the adult or juvenile system from pre-trial and intake to parole and post-placement services. In addition to juvenile and criminal court supervision, the EM Unit also receives electronic monitoring sentences imposed by our County’s Magisterial District Justices for Driving Under Suspension/DUI related citations.  

The EM Unit is committed to providing the highest quality of services, supervision and monitoring to both the adult and juvenile divisions with the latest and ever-evolving technology available on the market.  

Questions regarding the Probation Services Electronic Monitoring Program should be directed to John Christman at (717) 780-7100.