Connection and Disconnection of Electronic Monitoring

Introduction

This topic covers details for connection and disconnection of EM.

Request for EM

The probation officer notifies the monitoring company that a new offender requires EM using the Electronic Monitoring Connection Request form.

Important: This form must be sent at least two working days before installation is required.

If a dedicated landline is required, Chubb NZ will need to be advised in enough time to organise the installation of the landline. The timeframe should have been provided as part of the pre-installation check by Chubb NZ.

For HD, the probation officer should request the installation of the phoneline to occur as late as possible on the date of sentence. This is to allow for the installation to be cancelled if the offender is not sentenced to HD.

Telephone handset

If an offender does not have a telephone, a programmed handset can be provided allowing the offender to contact the probation officer. Notify the monitoring company if this handset is required.

Note: The offender and occupants must be reminded that use of the handset for private calls constitutes non-compliance. They will also be liable for the cost of these calls.

Connection of monitoring equipment

When the offender is initially connected to the monitoring equipment, the probation officer and a security officer must be present. The offender's identity must be confirmed before connection.

The monitoring equipment must be installed where it works most effectively and where the cellular signal is strongest.

Occupants' preferences will be taken into account but precedence must be given to locating the equipment in the place where it works best.

Setting the electronic boundary/ range

At installation the electronic boundary/range is set around the offender's residence.

Important:

• A probation officer must always be present when the security officer is setting the electronic boundary/range.
• The electronic boundary must be restricted to the offender's residence.
• Care must be taken to ensure the boundary does not allow access to any other properties in the area.

The same precaution applies to any monitoring units installed at the offender's place of work or other specified location.

Disconnection of the EM equipment

The probation officer notifies the monitoring company using the Electronic Monitoring Disconnection form that the offender is due for disconnection.

Important:

• This form must be sent at least two working days before the date of disconnection of EM.
• The probation officer and security officer must attend the disconnection.

Notes:

• Offenders subject to EM as a condition of HD or RR must be disconnected on a release day in accordance with s4 Sentencing Act 2002 (HD & CD) and s4 Parole Act 2002 (for RR).
• Offenders subject to EM as a special condition of parole or extended supervision must be disconnected on the date at which the special condition expires.