How Much Does House Arrest Cost?
House arrest, also known as electronic monitoring, is a sentencing alternative that allows individuals to serve their sentence from the comfort of their own homes, under close supervision. With the rise of electronic monitoring technology, house arrest has become a popular option for courts and corrections officials, as it provides a cost-effective and efficient way to supervise offenders while keeping communities safe.
Initial Setup Costs
The initial setup costs for house arrest vary depending on the provider and the type of monitoring system used. On average, the initial setup costs range from $50 to $500, which includes the cost of the monitoring device, installation, and programming.
Monthly Fees
The monthly fees for house arrest services can range from $25 to $100 per month, depending on the provider and the level of monitoring required. These fees typically include:
- Device rental or purchase: This includes the cost of the monitoring device, such as a GPS tracking device, biometric monitoring device, or ankle bracelet.
- Monitoring services: This includes the cost of monitoring and tracking the individual’s movements, activities, and other behaviors.
- Program administration: This includes the cost of administrative tasks, such as data entry, reporting, and communication with the court and law enforcement.
Other Costs
In addition to the initial setup costs and monthly fees, there may be other costs associated with house arrest, including:
- Installation fees: This can range from $100 to $500, depending on the complexity of the installation and the provider.
- Travel fees: If the individual needs to travel for work or other reasons, there may be additional fees for the provider to monitor their location.
- Replacement costs: If the monitoring device is lost, stolen, or damaged, there may be additional costs to replace it.
Types of House Arrest
There are several types of house arrest, each with its own unique costs and requirements. These include:
- GPS tracking: This involves using a GPS tracking device to monitor the individual’s movements and location.
- Biometric monitoring: This involves using a biometric monitoring device, such as a fingerprint or vein recognition device, to monitor the individual’s activities and behaviors.
- Ankle bracelet monitoring: This involves using an ankle bracelet device to monitor the individual’s movements and location.
Comparison of House Arrest Providers
Here is a comparison of some of the major house arrest providers and their costs:
| Provider | Initial Setup Cost | Monthly Fee | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPS Technologies | $200 | $50 | $100 installation fee |
| Sentinel Offender Services | $300 | $75 | $200 travel fee |
| Electronic Monitoring Systems | $150 | $30 | $50 replacement fee |
| Bail Services of America | $250 | $50 | $100 installation fee |
Conclusion
House arrest is a cost-effective and efficient way to supervise offenders, and the costs associated with it can vary depending on the provider and the type of monitoring system used. While the initial setup costs and monthly fees can range from $50 to $500, and $25 to $100 per month, respectively, there may be other costs associated with house arrest, such as installation fees, travel fees, and replacement costs. By understanding the costs of house arrest, individuals can make informed decisions about their sentence options and ensure that they are getting the best value for their money.
Key Takeaways
- House arrest costs can vary depending on the provider and the type of monitoring system used.
- Initial setup costs range from $50 to $500.
- Monthly fees range from $25 to $100 per month.
- Additional fees, such as installation fees and travel fees, may apply.
- Understanding the costs of house arrest can help individuals make informed decisions about their sentence options.
