Effect of early prison release with electronic monitoring

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of early release from prison with electronic monitoring (EM) on recidivism and labor market attachment.

Methods

To address selection bias, the paper leverages a natural experiment consisting of a 2007 criminal justice reform that introduced the option for inmates to convert the remainder of their prison sentences to EM at home. Consequently, individuals who participated in the EM intervention spent less time in prison compared to those sentenced before the reform. The nature of the reform facilitates a regression discontinuity in time design, enabling a comparison between individuals sentenced during the period when early release with EM was available and those sentenced when this option had not yet been implemented.

Results

The reform did not produce any clear overall effects on either recidivism or labor market attachment. However, for individuals who were unemployed prior to incarceration or had a history of imprisonment, the ability to apply for early release with EM resulted in improved outcomes. Additionally, younger individuals experienced an increase in labor market attachment as a result of the reform.

Conclusion

Early release with EM has the potential to serve as an effective intervention for the reintegration of individuals with limited labor market attachment.