Pubdate: Thu, 07 Feb 2002
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2002 The New York Times Company
Contact:  http://www.nytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298
Author: Robert P. Weiss
Note: The writer is a professor of sociology and criminal justice at the 
State University of New York at Plattsburgh

PAROLEES AND SECURITY

To the Editor:

Although satellite tracking for parolees ("Putting Parolees on a Tighter 
Leash," Jan. 31) may sound liberating to some chronic offenders, and its 
ease, economy and efficiency appeal to the authorities and tax groups, this 
new technique should cause the rest of us great concern.

Real-time monitoring will likely "widen the net" (and extend the duration) 
of control to include misdemeanor drug users and other minor offenders who 
otherwise would be left to informal surveillance or none at all. This 
undermines our safety and diminishes our freedom.

Genuine security comes from self-restraint and voluntary compliance. 
Without adequate rehabilitation, job training or proper after-care — not to 
mention a change in the structure of employment opportunity for released 
offenders — satellite tracking becomes a behavior modification tool that is 
sure to backfire, fostering more clever avoidance and augmenting prisons as 
schools of crime.

ROBERT P. WEISS, Plattsburgh, N.Y.

The writer is a professor of sociology and criminal justice at the State 
University of New York at Plattsburgh
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