Electronic Monitoring

The electronic monitoring program at the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio (CCNO) continues to offer a trustworthy alternative to jail for area courts to utilize.

A recent study conducted by CCNO and BI Incorporated, which provides the electronic monitoring equipment, showed that the electronic monitoring program diverted more than 950 offenders from incarceration in 2009 and more than 10,000 offenders since the program began in 1997. The study also noted that the program also significantly reduced jail overcrowding and prevented unconditional release of offenders into the community.

Under the program, offenders have to pay to participate in the electronic monitoring program, increasing savings to taxpayers. In addition, GPS tracking was incorporated for the highest level of offender monitoring.

CCNO has operated the electronic monitoring program which is partially funded by a Community Corrections Act Grant from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitations and Corrections. The program was designed to help alleviate the continued overcrowding problems and provide courts with a viable alternative to incarceration.

CCNO selected BI Incorporated for equipment and monitoring services to include a GPS tracking system which ensures that offenders follow prescribed home curfews. An electronic monitoring radio frequency system ensures that offenders adhere to court-ordered schedules and curfews. A remote alcohol monitoring system conducts sobriety tests from the offender�s home. Another system provides continuous alcohol monitoring and location monitoring.

The program began slowly, only diverting 90 offenders when it started in 1997 with participants only from the four-county areas of Defiance, Fulton, Henry and Williams counties. The program expanded into the Lucas County areas in 1998. The system peaked to 1,335 participants in 2007 and dropped to 961 in 2009.

Jim Dennis, CCNO Executive Director, said the reduction in numbers is closely related to the economy with fewer offenders able to pay to participate in electronic monitoring and limited grant dollars available. Offenders are required to pay $10 to $15.50 a day depending on which monitoring technology is used. Only low-risk offenders are allowed to participate in the program.

Mr. Dennis said the electronic monitoring program has provided major benefits to corrections officials, judges, offenders and the community at large. He said area courts view the program as a safe alternative to incarceration and will continue their commitment to using the program to alleviate potential overcrowding issues.

It was noted that the offender self pay component amounted in significant savings for taxpayers. Not only are incarcerations costs of $67 per day being avoided, but offenders must maintain jobs, pay fines, make child support payments and contribute to the local economy.

From 1997 to 2009, there have been a grand total of 10,228 participants diverted from CCNO.

Program participants in 2009 included 16 from Bryan Municipal Court; two from Defiance Municipal Court; 12 from Defiance County Common Pleas Court; one from Fulton County Common Pleas Court; 40 from Fulton Eastern District Court; 25 from Fulton Western District Court; 10 from Henry County Common Pleas Court; 18 from Napoleon Municipal Court; and four from Williams County Common Pleas Court. It should be noted that the Defiance Municipal Court operates their own electronic monitoring program.

Also one from Lucas County Common Pleas Court; 343 from Maumee Municipal Court; 67 from Oregon Municipal Court; 132 from Sylvania Municipal Court; 288 from Toledo Municipal Court; and two from other court jurisdictions.

Electronic Monitoring Diversion Program