Incorporating location tracking systems into community supervision

Identifying best practices for the implementation of an LTS can be difficult due to lack of evidence. Part of the struggle is that these programs may be implemented for various reasons (e.g., internal initiative, judicial order, or statutory requirement) and may have very different objectives based on the target populations (e.g., pre-trial release from detention vs. high risk gang members on parole supervision). Given these limitations, the body of research on evidence-based practices for correctional treatment can provide general guidance. For example, the existing evidence does tell us that the use of an LTS, just as with any intervention, should at a minimum be tied to client risk level and be incorporated into a larger case management plan, and violations should be addressed swiftly and with certainty (Hawken & Kleiman, 2009). Location tracking is a relatively intrusive supervision tool and therefore should be reserved for higher-risk clients.