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Technocorrections: Promises and Uncertain Threats

NCJ Number
189019
Journal
Crime & Justice International Volume: 17 Issue: 50 Dated: March 2001 Pages: 11-12,30-31,32
Author(s)
Tony Fabelo
Date Published
March 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the potential of new technologies to reduce the costs of supervising offenders and to minimize the risk they pose to society.
Abstract
Emerging technologies in three areas--electronic tracking and location systems, pharmacological treatments, and genetic and neurobiological risk assessments--may be used in "technocorrections." Electronic monitoring--with either old-fashioned bracelets that communicate through a device connected to telephone lines or more modern versions based on cellular or satellite tracking--are used in most States. With this technology, corrections officials can continuously track offenders' locations to supervise their movements. Pharmacological breakthroughs--new "wonder" drugs being developed to control behavior in correctional and noncorrectional settings--will also affect technocorrections. Corrections officials are already familiar with some of these drugs, since many are currently used to treat mentally ill offenders. These drugs could also be used to control mental conditions that affect behaviors considered undesirable, even when the offenders are not mentally ill. Gene-management technologies are already widely used in agriculture and are increasingly being used in medicine. The progression is likely to continue, with applications in psychiatric and behavioral management. The genetic basis of behavior, including antisocial and criminal behavior, is being investigated by researchers. Dominant social, political, and market forces are apparently converging to create conditions conducive to the rapid expansion of technocorrections. This article concludes with an examination of some of the possible implications of this trend. 13 notes