There isn’t a singularly effective solution for managing participants under supervision. But data shows that organizations that tailor programming and equipment to the participant achieve better results. It makes sense – every person in a monitoring program enters with unique dynamics and experiences. Their histories often determine how they’ll engage with programming, where they are likely to encounter stumbling blocks, and the likelihood that they’ll fall out of compliance or reoffend. Many of our customers find success using accountability-based programs that leverage risk-assessment practices to curate a participant's program mix. Regardless of the person’s risk level when they enter a program, Corrisoft’s AIR® tools can be combined to create a more holistic approach, encompassing their current risk level.
What is a Risk Assessment?
Almost everyone who enters the correctional or justice system undergoes a risk assessment. For pretrial, it helps determine the conditions of confinement or release. For probation, it determines the level of supervision they’re initially assigned. Risk assessments help administrators understand the circumstances people entering into programs face, helping them make more informed decisions on their programmatic requirements. Once risk is determined, administrators can decide on the level of supervision, such as home confinement, GPS monitoring, and work and office visits, and even require educational rehabilitative courses like anger management or substance abuse education. These decisions can guide whether someone needs traditional ankle monitoring or if an alternative to ankle bracelet monitoring may be more appropriate.
What Tools do You Need?
Understanding a participant’s risks helps administrators decide on programming tools – and there are many to choose from. There are smartphones, smartphone-based apps, ankle bracelets, and wrist wearables, to name a few popular items on the market. Typically, smartphone solutions can be utilized with lower risk levels, while more permanent technology like ankle bracelets is used for those with higher risk. But what if you wanted a participant with an ankle bracelet to take educational courses? Or needed a less stigmatizing approach for someone progressing through the program?
This is where an alternative to ankle bracelet monitoring—such as Corrisoft’s AIR Mobile paired with MaxxLMS—can provide more flexibility and participant engagement. Using these tools in conjunction with one another can enhance overall experiences and help you and your participants reach shared goals.
A Modern Alternative to Ankle Bracelet Monitoring
Corrisoft’s tools can be configured in various ways to help meet the needs of your organization and its participants. Ankle devices like BLUtag and AIR Connect integrate with the AIR Mobile, allowing you to monitor locations 24/7 while providing participants with tools to communicate, build accountability, and access educational content through MaxxLMS. But for participants who don’t require traditional ankle monitors, smartphone-based solutions like AIR Mobile with AIR Verify and AIR Check-In offer a strong alternative to ankle bracelet systems—one that reduces stigma and increases compliance.
These apps can be installed on a participant’s existing device, or provided through Corrisoft-issued smartphones. Additional technology like CheckBAC also integrates with these systems, providing further functionality without needing to rely solely on physical ankle devices.
Real Results from Real Programs
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, Corrisoft has nimble tools that can be combined to create a network of care for nearly any program participant. Don’t just take our word for it. A Louisiana drug court implemented our tools to address one of its major challenges. They used a combination of the AIR Mobile and AIR Connect and saw significant improvements in its four focus areas.
“When we selected Corrisoft’s AIR program, we knew we needed a phone that was operational at all times and a device that made sure the participant always had the phone with them,” said a sergeant. “The AIR Connect provided the assurance we could both contact and monitor the individual at the same time.”
With Corrisoft’s tools, the court reduced the amount of time participants stay in phase I, improved participants’ phase I success rate, lowered the risk of non-compliance (especially in phase I), and reduced reliance on jail sanctions for non-compliance. Importantly, the tools offered a viable alternative to ankle bracelet monitoring, which helped remove barriers and encourage more meaningful engagement.
No matter your needs, we can help find the right monitoring solution—ankle bracelet or alternative.