Electronic Monitoring is an adjunct to other community based correctional supervision and treatment requirements. It is primarily utilized for high risk clients and for those clients that are required by law or by the court as a condition of supervision. The department is utilizing the latest innovations in electronic surveillance to more effectively monitor high risk clients. Through the use of these units, the safety of the community can be greatly enhanced and the accountability of the client is maintained.
- Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) is the most innovative electronic surveillance technology used by criminal justice agencies and the 3rd Judicial District. The system combines GPS technology and advanced wireless communication protocols, flexible reporting and unique mapping capabilities to effectively track clients twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. The Central Command Center (CCC), located in Des Moines, Iowa, is the main information area. The goal of GPS electronic monitoring is to minimize the risk to the community through monitoring a client’s movements 24 hours a day.
- Radio Frequency (RF) monitoring is an additional monitoring system used in the 3rd District that is mainly used for both curfew compliance and residency requirements in order to ensure that the client is maintaining a stable residence while at the same time is encouraging positive decision making by the clients we serve. Positive decision making by the clients we serve in turn minimizes risk to the community.
- Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) breath testing is used in the 3rd District as a means to promote alcohol sobriety of the clients that we serve who are struggling with alcohol dependence issues. This in turn minimizes risk to the community and encourages a sober lifestyle for the client.