Corrections_Today_Spring_2026_Vol.88_No.1

As one individual described it, having “somebody track your every move … was like being locked up again.” 18 Agencies must be transparent about what data is collect ed and ensure it’s used only for legitimate supervision purposes. Equity is another factor. Not everyone on probation can afford a smartphone or data plan, and requir ing them to procure one (or charging them fees to participate) can unfairly burden those with low in comes. 19 A fairer approach is for agencies to provide devices or cover service costs when needed, so that compliance isn’t predicated on personal means. Issu ing agency-owned devices alleviates concerns about shifting supervision costs onto the individual, ensures consistent device specifications (so officers don’t have to troubleshoot wildly different models), and removes variation in quality or data plans that might disad vantage some clients. When the agency bears the cost, no individual is penalized for lacking technology, and the program avoids reinforcing inequality. Moreover, agency-issued phones can be preconfigured with secu rity, accessibility and language settings to reduce user burden and technical failure rates. Finally, these tools should be used to reduce the intrusiveness of supervision, not unintentionally widen the net. Officials should reserve smartphone monitoring for those who will genuinely benefit and possibly scale back other forms of monitoring in exchange. There are also concerns about automated decisions for instance, if an app uses algorithms to predict risk or flag behavior, it could produce false positives that unjustly penalize someone. 20 To uphold ethics, agencies need to maintain human oversight and judgment. In short, smartphone supervision programs should be built with consent, fair ness and respect at the forefront, using the technology as a help rather than a hammer. Implementation playbook Adopting smartphone supervision requires planning and foresight. Key steps include: – Define purpose and scope: Identify why you are implementing a supervision app and who it will serve. 21 Pinpoint the problems you aim to solve (e.g. reduce travel, improve contact) and set clear goals and success metrics. 22

12 Questions to Ask a Smartphone-Supervision Vendor 1. Data Security: How do you protect sensitive client data (locations, biometrics, etc.)? Is the system encrypted and CJIS-compliant? 2. Privacy Controls: What data does the app collect, and can we limit or customize what is gathered to protect clients’ privacy? 3. Integration: Can the app integrate with our existing case management or records systems? If not, how is data exported or shared? 4. Core Features: Which features are included (GPS track ing, geofencing, check-in biometrics, messaging, reminders, etc.)? 5. User Experience: Is the interface user-friendly for officers and clients? (Request a demo to gauge ease of use.) 6. Device Requirements: Does the app work on both An droid and iOS? Are there minimum device capabilities needed (e.g., camera, GPS accuracy)? 7. BYOD vs. Agency Devices: Can clients use their own smartphones? If so, how does the app handle issues like airplane mode or tampering? Alternatively, do you offer secure agency-issued devices and what are the costs? 8. Offline Capability: How does the app handle lack of cell service or internet? Will it store data offline and sync later once connected? 9. Alert Management: What types of alerts does the system generate, and can we configure them? Will the vendor assist with monitoring alerts, or will our staff manage all alerts internally? 10. Proven Results: Do you have case studies or references from other agencies using the app? What outcomes or benefits did they report? 11. Training & Support: What training do you provide for implementation? Is ongoing technical support available, and how often is the app updated? 12. Cost Structure: What is the pricing model (per user, per month, etc.), and what features/services are included? Are there extra fees for equipment, upgrades, or support that we should budget for?

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Spring 2026 | Corrections Today

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