Electronic Monitoring
The Adult Electronic Monitoring Program was established in 1990 for the purpose of helping to alleviate over crowded conditions at the Kern County Sheriff’s Department Detention Facilities and to generate revenue for the Kern County Probation Department. The program is designed to allow low risk misdemeanant inmates the opportunity to serve their sentences while living at home and being supervised by electronic devices. In essence the inmate wears an electronic ankle bracelet that sends an RF signal to a monitoring unit that is connected to the client’s telephone. The monitor maintains contact with a host computer located at the Kern Crossroads Facility and keeps the staff apprised of the defendant’s comings and goings from the residence. There is a screening process to determine eligibility and a fee is charged for this program which can range from $6.00 to $22.00 per day, depending upon the client’s gross income.
The Juvenile Electronic Monitoring Program was instituted in 1994 for the purpose of relieving overcrowding at Juvenile Hall. This program allows juveniles, who have been committed to Juvenile Hall, to be released early when the maximum population has been reached. They serve the remainder of their commitment with electronic supervision in the same fashion as the adults; however, they are not charged a fee.
