Making homes into prisons, carefully
Article Abstract:
Many law enforcement agencies are turning to home detention with electronic monitoring as an alternative to jail sentences, but the system is controversial due to poor implementation. Monitoring often consists of an ankle bracelet that transmits a radio signal to a receiver linked to a computer at a corrections department or independent agency. Signals are often scrambled to provide security, and bracelets send different signals if cut. Some systems add video verification or alcohol breath tests for drunk driving offenders. Electronic monitoring costs New Jersey, for example, $4,700 per year per person, as opposed to $26,000 for prison costs. Electronic monitoring technology has improved greatly since its introduction in 1984, and the number of programs in the US has grown from three to programs in 1,200 agencies. However, electronic monitoring requires more personnel than traditional systems, especially because it identifies more violations than parole officers do, but many agencies do not have sufficient numbers of employees to follow up on violation warnings.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1992
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Random House children's books headed for PC's
Article Abstract:
Broderbund Software Inc and Random House Inc agree to form the Living Books joint venture to produce CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) versions of Random House's extensive children's-book library. Random House Chmn and CEO Alberto Vitale says the venture will help revolutionize the way the next generation thinks, learns and amuses itself. Children's books on CD-ROM provide animated illustrations, sound effects, objects that respond to users' mouse clicks and a choice of English, Spanish or Japanese text and soundtracks. The number of CD-ROM titles has grown from just 22 in Apr 1992 to around 400 in Sep 1993, 70 percent being either games or educational software. Broderbund published two multimedia children's books on CD-ROM in 1992, 'Just Grandma and Me' and 'Arthur's Teacher Trouble.' Both are currently on the top-10 list of CD-ROM titles. The company's stock rose $3.75 to $41 a share in Nasdaq trading following the announcement.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1993
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22 arrested in cellular call thefts; industry is stepping up its anti-fraud efforts
Article Abstract:
Twenty-two people are arrested and various equipment is seized in Los Angeles as part of a nationwide investigation into theft of air time from cellular telephone networks. Eric Hill, director of security for the Cellular Telephone Industry Association, says the crackdown in Los Angeles, code-named LA Blitz, could provide a model for investigations in other cities. Such investigations would involve the Secret Service, cellular carriers and local police. Industry observers say Los Angeles and New York have emerged as centers of cellular crime. Observers estimate that $300 million of air time will be stolen from the $7.2 billion industry in 1993. The people who were arrested will be charged with obtaining phone service by fraudulent means and with receiving stolen property. Maximum penalties are as much as 15 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1992
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