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Elk County approves new electronic monitoring contract, citing lower device costs and expanded tracking features
Summary
The Elk County Board of Commissioners approved a contract with Corrections Development Inc. for electronic monitoring software and hardware that county probation officials say will save staff time, reduce per‑day device costs and expand alcohol‑monitoring capabilities; the contract passed by voice vote.
Elk County commissioners voted to approve a contract with Corrections Development Incorporated’s electronic monitoring division to supply the county’s probation program with integrated GPS and alcohol‑monitoring devices.
Derek, the county’s chief probation officer, told the board the new system will link directly with the county’s case‑management software so information flows automatically to monitoring devices, cutting staff time. “We go from $5.75 to actually $5.50,” he said, describing the per‑day rate for the GPS device; he said the county’s alcohol‑monitoring device price would drop from $9.50 to $8.50 per day under the new contract. Derek added the company’s alcohol monitor samples a wearer’s sweat and can distinguish true alcohol consumption from environmental contaminants and produce court‑admissible documentation.
The presentation included a hands‑on demonstration of the bracelet and an explanation of operational features: real‑time GPS beacons, zone alerts, a pursuit mode for absconding individuals, and a vibration test to verify device function. Derek said the program uses a grant called Probation with Restrictive Conditions (PRC) to cover many device days, and that the county typically has about 15 to 30 people on electronic monitoring at any time. He also said the county uses monitoring for some juveniles to avoid costly detention.
Commissioners asked about safety, how devices are removed in medical emergencies, and payment for self‑pay clients if grant funds do not apply. Derek said the company provides cut‑lines for emergency removal, that medical facilities can cut devices when needed, and that self‑pay clients must pay upfront if PRC does not cover their placement. He said replacement costs for devices vary by model and the county negotiates coverage for accidental damage.
The board moved, seconded and approved the contract by voice vote. The motion was recorded as passed; no roll‑call votes or tallies were given at the meeting.
Next steps: staff will finalize the contract language and begin integration work with the county’s case‑management system; no effective date was announced during the meeting.
