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Committee backs new electronic home-monitoring provider; sends resolution to executive
Summary
Kane County—s Judicial and Public Safety Committee approved a resolution to replace its electronic home monitoring (EHM) equipment, citing longer battery life and improved tracking; the measure was forwarded to the Executive for final action.
KANE COUNTY, Ill. — The Kane County Judicial and Public Safety Committee voted May 15 to approve a resolution to replace the county—s electronic home monitoring (EHM) equipment, citing test results that showed significantly longer battery life and improved alerting and location tracking.
Sergeant Andrew Schwab, who oversees court services, told the committee staff and deputies had tested five units from the recommended vendor and found battery life consistently above four days under heavy reporting settings — a large improvement over the county—s existing devices, which staff said often lasted fewer than 24 hours. "When we tested 5 units for 2 weeks, the lowest ... battery life we experienced was just over 4 days," Schwab said, noting other vendor features include voice and audible alerts and continued communications if a strap is cut.
Why it matters: Court services uses EHM for pretrial supervision and post-sentencing monitoring; staff said improved battery life and remote alerting would reduce the manpower and overtime hours currently dedicated to recovering devices and responding to dead-battery alerts. Sergeant Schwab estimated average participation in the program typically ranges from the low 90s to roughly 108 participants at peak.
Budget and fees: Committee member Leonard confirmed the cost will be covered by the EHM program and supplemented by the sheriff—s corrections detainee food budget; the county recovers part of the operating cost from participant fees ($250 setup for pretrial, $10/day post-sentence, with $50 of the setup fee nonrefundable). "That 22¢ difference is offset ... by the amount of time that we save and our salaries and overtime," Schwab said.
Action taken: The committee approved the resolution by roll call and forwarded it to the county Executive for final approval.
Next steps: The sheriff—s office and court services will implement the new system pending Executive approval and work on processes for billing participants and managing equipment returns.
