Drug Treatment and Electronically Monitored Home Confinement: An Evaluation of a Community-Based Sentencing Option

The Intensive Drug Program represents an important innovation in developing sentencing options for offenders with substance abuse problems. By combining mandatory treatment for substance abuse with electronically monitored house arrest the program attempts to reduce criminal behavior and drug use. Statistical analysis of recidivism data and drug test results suggests the program is working. Community-based sentencing options that combine drug treatment with electronic monitoring therefore warrant further consideration as intermediate sentencing options for substance abusers.