This article examines the use of mapping software to monitor parolees by police departments in Colorado and Rhode Island.
Rhode Island's Department of Corrections uses the Community Supervision Mapping System to more efficiently track offenders and probation officer's probation and parole caseloads. The system enables corrections, public safety, and social service agencies to better supervise and assist offenders returning to or already in the community by querying and mapping the locations of released offenders using Google maps. The Colorado Department of Corrections uses the Colorado Web-Based Integrated Support Environment (C-WISE) to map caseloads and more efficiently plan home visits for offenders on probation and parole. The system uses geographic information system (GIS) technology to allow parole officers to produce maps and set up a routing system to plan visits to offender's homes.