Informing The Utility of GPS Monitoring for Pretrial Probationary Supervision: An Examination of Reoffending and Collateral Consequences

The goal of the proposed mixed methods research is to enhance public safety and minimize collateral consequences of GPS monitoring for defendants on pretrial probationary release. In partnership with Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS), they will examine: 1) the population assigned to this condition using MPS data (likelihood of assignment given demographics and priors); 2) the impact of this condition on violations and rearrests over years (rates and timing using statistically constructed counterfactual comparison group of defendants not assigned to this condition); and 3) any interactions between population and impact. Quantitative analyses on the Statewide population of n=474 pretrial probationers on GPS in 2014, and a control group of n=2780 defendants without GPS supervision, will employ hierarchical statistical models that control for individual and court effects and survival analyses that examine differences in violation and rearrest rates and timing. Qualitative research includes interviews with n=30 probationers (20 assigned to GPS, 10 not) for coding to analyze differences and similarities in experiences during the pretrial period (employment and other collateral consequences). Potential work products include a matrix for use by judges to determine which offenders would benefit most and least from GPS monitoring. CA/NCF "Note: This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law," and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR 200.210(a)(14).