FAQ
Q: What is Electronic Monitoring?
A: Electronic Monitoring (EM) is a method designed to monitor a subject’s presence or absence at a specified location. The most common use for EM is for Home Detention Curfews, early release from jail or bail monitoring, although EM can be adapted to suit a variety of situations.
Q: How does EM technology work?
A: Electronic Monitoring works by a subject wearing a Personal Identity Device (PID), usually around their ankle. This is worn throughout the duration of the curfew order and can only be removed by authorised personnel. The PID sends out an encrypted radio signal, which is received by a Site Monitoring Unit (SMU), which is located at the place of curfew. This signal is then sent to the Monitoring Centre confirming the subject’s presence or absence at the place of curfew.
Q: What happens if the subject has no telephone line?
A: In the event that a phone line is not available a GSM Site Monitoring Unit can be used instead. The GSMU works in the same way as the Site Monitoring Unit but uses the mobile phone network to communicate with the Monitoring Centre.
Q: What happens if a subject is absent during curfew hours?
A: If a subject is not present at the curfew location within the specified hours, an alert is raised with the Monitoring Centre. Immediate action can then be taken for the level of incident.
Q: Will the Personal Identity Device interfere with everyday life?
A: No, the Personal Identity Device (PID) is lightweight, discreet and durable allowing the subject to carry on life as normal as long as it is within in the guidelines of the curfew order. The PID is even waterproof up to a depth of 5 meters.
Q: How is the Personal Identity Device powered?
A: The Personal Identity Device (PID) is battery operated, with an active life of 12 months. If the PID battery does run low, it raises a flag with the Site monitoring Unit or GSM Site Monitoring Unit in excess of 30 days before the battery expires. This information is then transmitted to the Monitoring Centre who will send a member of their field staff to change the equipment before the battery expires.
Q: Can the Personal Identity Device be easily removed?
A: No, the Personal Identity Device (PID) can only be removed by authorised personnel. If attempts are made to remove or tamper with the PID the fibre optic strand contained within the strap detects this and sends an alert to the Monitoring Centre via a Site Monitoring Unit or GSM Site Monitoring Unit.
Q: How much does Electronic Monitoring cost?
A: Electronic Monitoring (EM) is a cost effective alternative to prison custody. The actual cost is calculated on an individual customer basis. To discuss your requirements please contact us at marketing@geografix.co.uk
Q: How does Voice Verification work?
A: Voice Verification works by taking a print of the subject’s voice pattern. Everybody has a different voice pattern due to the shape of our vocal chords. The voice pattern is then fed in to the monitoring software, so when the subject calls in they can be matched and verified.
Q: Can the subject get someone else to phone in for Voice Verification?
A: No, Voice Verification not only works by matching the subjects voice pattern but also by asking a series of random questions. The monitoring software will also record the location that the call is being made from. These calls have to be made from specified locations as part of the curfew order.
Q: How is GPS Tracking Used?
A: GPS tracking can be used in conjunction with Electronic Monitoring and Voice Verification as part of a curfew order or it can be used on it own to monitor a subject’s movements in inclusion or exclusion zones.
GPS tracking can also be used for other projects such as the tracking of lone workers for security and safety purposes.
Q: Who are Serco Geografix’s customers?
A: Serco Geografix serves two of the five UK Home Office Contacts. These contracts have been in place since 1999 following a successful trial period. We also have contracts in Scotland, Italy, Canada, Australia and Poland.
Q: Why choose Serco Geografix?
A: Serco Geografix is one of Europe’s largest designers and manufacturers of Monitoring Equipment. We have our own ISO 9001 accredited research and development team who are continuously working to refine and enhance our equipment.
New equipment can be developed or existing equipment modified to meet customer’s exact requirements.
