The three areas were chosen for their different geographic characteristics, the goal being to test the electronic monitoring equipment in a range of settings. The first year of the pilot schemes started in July 1995. Observations, formal interviews, and informal discussions were used to collect data on all offenders sentenced to curfew orders. During the course of the trial period, 83 curfew orders were made in the three areas. The overall length of curfew orders ranged from 1 month to the maximum period of 6 months. The main offenses for which a curfew order was most commonly made included theft offenses, burglary, driving while disqualified, and possession of drugs. Other offenses included shoplifting, causing actual bodily harm, assault of a police constable, deception, abduction, and perverting the course of justice. Of the 83 offenders, 12 had no previous convictions and the 7 most heavily convicted had 20 or more; 56 curfew orders were successfully completed. Of the 19 curfew orders revoked for resentencing, 15 resulted in custody. Offenders spoke highly of monitoring staff and were quite positive about their experiences. Sentencers, however, were hesitant to use curfew orders, especially in the early months of the trial. Probation service opposition to electronic monitoring was also prevalent. The cost of an average length curfew order with electronic monitoring was estimated to be slightly less than that of an average probation order but more than the cost of an average community service order. References, tables, and figures