An Evaluation of a Global Positioning System for Monitoring High-Risk Gang Offenders

Among other purposes, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides funds to preserve and create jobs and promote economic recovery and to provide investments needed to increase economic efficiency by spurring technological advances in science and health. In addition to supporting the goals of the Recovery Act, this project also supports the purposes of the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program by helping to increase the economic efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement activities. This project will address law enforcement technology requirements and priorities in the areas of ' officer safety, public safety, communications, (including interoperable communications) and decision-making, information sharing, electronic crime, less lethal devices, and concealed weapons detection (Select all applicable.) In consideration of the goals, objectives, and intended impact of the Recovery Act, priority consideration has been given to proposals that demonstrate the potential for increasing law enforcement efficiency and effectiveness and/or support job creation or preservation on an expedited time frame.

DSG proposes to conduct a process and outcome evaluation of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's (CDCR's) Global Positioning System (GPS) for monitoring gang offenders. The purpose of the study is to conduct a quasi-experimental evaluation of the CDCR GPS monitoring program of 375 gang offenders. Specifically, the study will assess the impact, fidelity, and costs of the GPS program, including the program's effectiveness in reducing gang offender recidivism and detecting technical parole violations.

The reward provides positions for law enforcement, researchers, and practitioners. Additionally the reward reduces cost to monitoring of gang members.

ca/ncf