Electronic Monitoring / Home Confinement
As of July 1, 2015, supervision of parolees in Georgia is the responsibility of the Department of Community Supervision.
Electronic Monitoring / Home Confinement
Beginning in 1996 the Parole Board began utilizing electronic monitoring as an additional supervision tool. Today Global Positioning System Electronic Monitoring (GPS EM) is utilized. GPS EM allows for curfew monitoring of the offender while the offender is at home. GPS EM also utilizes satellite technology to fix and record the position of an offender whenever outside the home. Required and restricted geographic zones can be established, such as an offender's location during the day which must be at his or her place of employment. The community supervision officer reviews daily movement reports and is notified of all curfew and zone violations.
In 2012 the Parole Board implemented Home Confinement Monitoring. Home Confinement Monitoring confines the offender to their residence during specific times determined by the community supervision officer. The offender is contacted through a land-line telephone at their home periodically during their curfew time to verify the offender is at his/her home. The parolee’s identity is confirmed through advanced voice recognition software. The supervising officer is notified of all curfew violations.
While under electronic monitoring or home confinement monitoring, offenders can maintain employment, access community-based treatment, perform community work service, address medical issues, and attend religious functions.
Electronic monitoring and home confinement monitoring is applied under one of two categories:
1. Initial Placement: For several months at the start of a supervision period, for releasees who are serving for selected violent offenses, sex offenses, or as otherwise directed by the Board. Sex offenders typically remain on EM throughout their parole period.
2. Sanction Placement: After a period of time under supervision, for releasees who have violated their release condition(s), as a form of intermediate or final sanction. A parolee may be placed on electronic monitoring at any time during his/her supervision.