QUESTIONS:

• What is Electronic Monitoring Home Detention (EMHD)?
• Who can be on EMHD?
• How long can I be on EMHD?
• What equipment is used to electronically monitor an offender?
• What is GPS?
• Will I have equipment strapped to my body?
• Will I be allowed to work?
• What happens if I violate my EMHD terms?
• Will I be drug tested?
• Who pays for the EMHD?
• How much will it cost?

ANSWERS:

What is Electronic Monitoring Home Detention (EMHD)?

EMHD is an alternative to jail. Home Detention is the confinement of an offender convicted or charged with an offense to his or her place of residence that would otherwise be incarcerated in the Henry County Jail under conditions established by the court. EMHD limits an offender's movement within the community through electronic monitoring.

Who can be on EMHD?

An offender who is either pre or post conviction may be supervised by electronic monitoring if ordered by the court and screened by Henry County Court Services to be found appropriate for the program.

How long can I be on EMHD?

The length of EMHD is determined by the sentencing Judge. The term generally ranges from 30 to 180 days.

What equipment is used to electronically monitor an offender?

Home Detention utilizes electronic monitoring equipment which tracks offender location and movements within the community in near-real time. The web-based case management system allows officers to quickly and easily enroll offenders, set schedules, customize alert notifications and create exclusion zones. 

What is GPS (Global Positioning System)?

GPS is a tracking system used to track the location of offenders placed on a GPS unit. The GPS unit transmits an encoded signal to satellites which is able to give an offender's precise location and movement at a precise time. The system can maintain an accurate position on the monitored individual, even in more challenging conditions, such as indoors, moving vehicles or among very tall buildings.

Henry County Court Services currently utilizes a GPS monitoring system on offenders who are ordered to be placed on GPS as a condition of the DVSP (Domestic Violence Intervention and Surveillance Program). When an offender is referred to Henry County Court Services by the court for a new charge of Violation of Order of Protection, Henry County Court Services will initiate a mandated risk assessment. The level of risk does not determine appropriateness of an offender being placed on GPS monitoring. The risk assessment is forwarded to the court for their review in an effort to establish conditions of bail. Should the court order GPS monitoring, Henry County Court Services will initiate the set-up and monitoring of the GPS.

Will I have equipment strapped to my body?

You will be required to wear an ankle-mounted tracking unit. The unit is lightweight, and tamper-resistant and has an extensive battery life.

Will I be allowed to work?

You may be allowed to maintain employment and approved activities. These activities would include educational programming, probation meetings, drug testing, substance abuse and mental health treatment, and school. All activities must be scheduled and approved in advance by the judge.

What happens if I violate my EMHD terms?

When violations occur, such as alcohol/drug use, late returns, unauthorized locations, and/or failure to pay, a wide variety of sanctions can be imposed, up to and including a warrant being issued for your arrest. 

Will I be drug tested?

Yes. Everyone is required to submit to random urinalysis testing to ensure you are maintaining an alcohol/drug free lifestyle. 

Who pays for EMHD?

The offender is required to pay for EMHD. Failure to pay as instructed by Henry County Court Services could result in a viiolation and termination of your EMHD.

How much does EMHD cost?

There is a $25 initial activation fee (one time fee) and a $40 daily user fee ($280 a week). If the court determines an offender is appropriate for EMHD; however, he or she does not have the ability to pay the $40 daily daily user fee, the court may lower the daily user fee. Fees for EMHD are to be paid one week in advance.