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Governments are always looking for ways to save taxpayers money. Running a state or even a small county or municipal government can become very costly, due to the high costs of services such as law enforcement and the care and upkeep involved with incarcerating criminals. The Aiken County, SC detention center has come up with an ingenious way to save money and allow a little more freedom for their inmates with the help of GPS tracking. Criminals guilty of certain less severe crimes now have the option available to their judge to either sentence or release on the convict on bond to the safety and security of their own home by fitting them with a GPS tracking unit that monitors their whereabouts 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Conditions for Use

This is still an experimental system, so judges in Aiken County are limiting the number of people allowed to use this, but there are still certain stipulations that must be fulfilled. The convicts will need to still report to the detention center once each week. Their living arrangements are subject to random searches and they may have to submit to random drug tests. They are forbidden to possess drugs, alcohol, or firearms, which also includes everyone who lives or visits their residence (such as their parents or children living at home). In many ways, the home is an extension of the detention center. If there is any concern about the individual becoming a repeat offender or if anyone is in any danger, there may be a stipulation that the convict be confined to his or her house.

Basic Components of Program:

• convicts are given the option by a judge


• convicts must wear GPS tracking device 24-7


• convicts and residents may not possess firearms, alcohol, or drugs


• Violations will result in jail time

How it Works

Once approved for use, the convict will submit to wearing a GPS tracking system on their ankle. An arrangement has been made with a private company to monitor the movements of the approved convicts. Parameters can be established that allow the convict to go only to certain places at certain times. If they do not follow these rules, they would be removed from the plan and returned to the detention center. They can be prevented from visiting certain people, both for their safety and to prevent them from getting into more trouble. But the benefit of being able to go on with life without being in jail is an important motivator to stay out of more trouble.

Who Benefits

This program actually creates a situation where it is beneficial to all parties involved. If you are the convict, this allows you to go on with your life. Your children do not need to visit you in jail. You won’t run the risk of losing your job because you have to spend 30 or more days in jail. You can continue to work, pay taxes, pay down your mortgage, go to your kid’s ball games, and other things that most people enjoy. The county is also able to benefit from this. One of the nice aspects of linking up with a private company is that the fees paid to the company are coming out of the pockets of the convict. There is a one-time maintenance fee of $23 paid to the company and then it ends up being $70 each week you are in the program. Paying out $300 for a 30 day DUI conviction is a small price to pay to be able to keep your job and your life in order. The county also saves money by not having to clothe, bathe, and feed an inmate in their correction facility. Long term, they may save money by requiring fewer guards or smaller facilities.

GPS Tracking

The GPS tracking is key for this program to work. Convicts can be monitored wherever they go to make sure they are following the rules for their release. If they slip up, they can easily be found and brought back to jail. If they try to remove the GPS tracking device, they go back to jail. Larger systems allow for other inmates to go through this process, but Aiken uses it only with small time criminals. That change might happen in the future. Considering that people on bond are generally out anyway, the use of GPS tracking to keep tabs on them is just one more measure of security. Those who are one bond in general are on an “honor system” when GPS tracking is not involved. The use of this removes any doubt or fear of where they may be going.

The use of GPS tracking here is truly a win-win situation for the justice system and the people of Aiken. This creates more options for those who are trying to get their lives back in order following criminal action, while allowing them some freedom to make better choices. The county is able to save money that can be better used elsewhere. Everybody wins!

Home Sweet Jail