Cook County Sheriff Wants to End Electronic Monitoring Program Due to Safety Concerns
A Shift in Policy
For over three decades, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office has been responsible for the Electronic Monitoring Program (EM), initially designed to reduce jail overcrowding. However, the scope and rules of the program have evolved, and Sheriff Tom Dart has decided he is no longer willing to continue managing it.
A Brief History of the Program
The EM program was established in 1989, primarily for non-violent offenders. Currently, there are 1,530 individuals on the program in Cook County, including 100 who are facing murder or attempted murder charges, which predate the SAFE-T Act.
Challenges and Concerns
The program costs nearly $24 million annually to operate. Sheriff Dart claims that things began to go awry after a change was made two years ago, as part of the pre-trial fairness act. He expressed concerns about the program’s effectiveness, stating, “Two days a week, I have to shut the devices off, and people get to do whatever they want during those two days.”
A New Direction
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is one of the few in the country that manages a program like this, as most are run through the courts. In September, Dart began meeting with Cook County Chief Judge Tim Evans to discuss phasing out the program, with the aim of transferring responsibility to the courts starting April 1st.
Consolidation and Concerns
The courts already manage a GPS tracking program for approximately 2,000 individuals in domestic violence cases and those involving a mandated curfew. If the courts take over the EM program, it would essentially consolidate the programs. Judge Evans expressed his concerns, stating, “If he wants to step away from the responsibility that is taking a weapon away from the court as we try to protect people. And so I’m trying to convince the sheriff not to step away.”
Reactions and Responses
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office released a statement, acknowledging the program’s effectiveness and expressing interest in continuing collaboration with justice partners as new electronic monitoring procedures are introduced. Teamsters Local 700, which represents the employees involved with the EM program, opposes the change, fearing that the level of monitoring and intervention would be significantly downgraded if the courts take over.
Funding and Transition
Sheriff Dart has agreed to transfer funding to run the program to the courts, ensuring a seamless integration into the new system.
Conclusion
The decision to phase out the Electronic Monitoring Program is a complex issue with varying perspectives. While some argue that it is essential to prioritize community safety, others believe that the program can be an effective tool in balancing public safety with individual rights. As the program undergoes a transformation, it will be crucial for stakeholders to work together to address the concerns and challenges that come with this change.
FAQs
* What is the Electronic Monitoring Program?
+ The EM program is a pre-trial supervision program designed to reduce jail overcrowding, primarily for non-violent offenders.
* Why is the Cook County Sheriff’s Office ending the program?
+ Sheriff Tom Dart claims that the program has become ineffective, citing issues with device shutdowns and concerns over public safety.
* What is the current status of the program?
+ The program is set to be phased out, with the courts taking over starting April 1st.
* How will the transition to the courts affect the program?
+ The courts will integrate the program into their existing GPS tracking program, potentially resulting in a more streamlined and effective system.
