The State : ‘House Arrest’ Test Is Set

San Jose officials are experimenting with a plan to alleviate jail overcrowding by confining nonviolent prisoners in their homes with electronic devices designed to tattle on them if they stray. The “house arrest” system is scheduled for implementation with about 100 prisoners in August, although a decision has yet to be made on the method of electronic supervision. “Everyone is on notice that this is more than a gleam in our eye. We’re going to do it,” said Bruce Murray, head of Santa Clara County’s justice system. Some systems call for an electronic bracelet or anklet and a device that can monitor the bracelet and signal a main computer if the wearer goes too far away. Such programs have been used in a number of jurisdictions across the nation, including Orange County and San Diego. Los Angeles plans to start one.