Technocorrections and the Use of Electronic Monitoring Devices - Essay Example

Additional drug applications may be used for the reduction of aggressive tendencies. One other approach is the use of DNA mapping and evidence tracking.
The use of electronic monitoring devices that work through cellular or GPS locating software have been making their way into the system and can be used to track movement in real-time as well as even track substance use through sleep patterns. According to Streetime technologies, “The SleepTime™ monitor records moment-to-moment sleep patterns through the night, and detects deviations related to episodes of intoxication that occurred during the previous day.” (STREETIME)

Another brainchild program currently in use in various locations across the United States that is a STREETIME product is the PassPoint retinal drug monitoring system, this system allows the user and the administrator to check if the client or juvenile offender in question needs to have a urinalysis administered. Technologies like these assist in advancing the goal of reducing man hours spent both patrolling those juveniles on probation and the high expense associated with bi-weekly substance checks using a urinalysis alone.

Another approach to techno corrections is the use of pharmacological approaches in the treatment of juveniles currently in correctional or noncorrectional probationary settings. According to Tony Fabelo with the National Institute of Justice, “Experiments are now being conducted with drugs that affect the levels of brain neurotransmitters and can be used to help treat drug abuse.” (Fabelo 2) The use of drugs as a method of reducing criminal behavior is not new though the modern approach is decidedly more humane than prior approaches. Several various approaches are being used currently; one, in particular, uses a pharmacological approach to block heroin abuse.

“The other major medication available for heroin dependence is naltrexone, a blocker of opiates. Two important problems with naltrexone have been that heroin addicts must be detoxified from opiates before naltrexone can be started, and it requires continued patient compliance after detoxification.” (Kosten)

Another technocorrection approach being tested is the use of DNA mapping to assess aptitude and use the results to apply social intervention before the commission of criminal activity. While it is in use primarily as a forensic tool after a crime is committed as Howard Safir with Forensic Magazine says, “In the last ten years, federal, state, and local law enforcement in concert with the forensic community has effectively convicted tens of thousands of criminals. DNA has been a critical tool to both increasing the number of convictions...” (Safir 4) The use of DNA mapping is unfortunately still a ways from regular use though there have been tests that show promise regarding the use of DNA to predict behaviorisms. Read More