House arrest is a form of punishment that allows individuals to serve their sentence at home instead of in prison. It requires them to wear an ankle bracelet that serves as an electronic monitoring device, alerting law enforcement to their whereabouts.
While some view house arrest as a more lenient alternative to incarceration, it comes with its own challenges. For those confronting this option, it is a good idea to consider the pros and cons.
Cost
House arrest reduces the burden on the prison system and requires fewer resources from taxpayer money. However, the option can be more expensive for the people experiencing it. There is often a startup fee of approximately $30 and an ongoing cost of $10 per day. If the ankle bracelet malfunctions due to damage or mistreatment, the person must pay for it.
Employment
In many cases, individuals may leave their homes for a specific purpose, including going to work. But if they have lost their job due to a criminal conviction, it may be difficult to find a new one while wearing an ankle bracelet. Without adequate income, it would not be possible to pay rent and support themselves while detained.
Community ties and mental health
Unlike incarceration, house arrest allows individuals to maintain relationships with their families and communities, which can be beneficial for their mental health. On the other hand, house arrest may carry a social stigma, causing neighbors and community members to avoid them. Living with this stigma may instead harm their mental health.
Rehabilitation
For some individuals, house arrest may be more effective than incarceration in reducing the likelihood of reoffending because of increased opportunities to seek individual counseling. Others are more likely to become repeat offenders because they cannot access the rehabilitation programs that prisons provide free of cost.
House arrest can be a good option for those who want to avoid prison. However, for some the cons may outweigh the benefits, especially if their living arrangements are not conducive to following the many restrictions involved.