The National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ) Criminal Justice Testing and Evaluation Consortium released the brief Location Tracking Systems for Community Supervision, which includes insights into how location tracking systems are evolving for the criminal justice market. While ankle monitors have long been a reliable option, technology advancements are introducing exciting new possibilities, including smartwatch-style devices and smartphone-based tracking solutions.
As supervision agencies face growing caseloads and resource constraints, they’re looking for smarter ways to effectively monitor individuals. Consumer tech advances are making these systems smaller, lighter, and more capable than ever.
But this is not just about technology. NIJ findings also emphasize that successful supervision programs use location tracking as part of a larger strategy, not as a standalone solution.
The three current technologies outlined in this report include:
- One-piece systems that are securely attached to the ankle or wrist of the individual under community supervision.
- Two-piece systems that comprise of a body-worn receiver/transmitter and a body-attached device that is “tethered” via Bluetooth or RF to the receiver/transmitter.
- Smartphones that can serve as a location tracking system that is not attached to the individual but can incorporate various methods of biometric identification or be tethered to a secure body-worn device.
For agencies considering these systems, the NIJ offers practical guidance on implementation, including important safety standards that balance security with practical considerations.
Download this NIJ synopsis to learn more about these developments and their applications in community supervision programs.
