What They Don’t Tell You About Electronic Monitoring

The electronic monitoring industry is growing fast. With more courts, counties, and states turning to alternatives to incarceration, electronic supervision is becoming a go-to solution. But behind the polished marketing and fancy brochures, there’s a side of the industry that many providers won’t talk about—and that’s exactly what we’re going to break down here.

At JSG Monitoring, we believe in transparency. That’s why we’re pulling back the curtain and sharing what you should really know before choosing a provider—or renewing a contract.

🤐 1. Not All Monitoring Is Actually “Monitored”

One of the biggest misconceptions in this space is that every provider actually monitors the devices they sell. In reality, many companies just ship out equipment and leave the monitoring up to the courts, probation departments, or sheriff’s offices.

That leaves your agency handling all the alerts, violations, and follow-up—without the staffing, training, or infrastructure to do it well.

What we do instead: JSG Monitoring offers 24/7 monitoring through our in-house team, along with alert triage, reporting, and court support. We don’t just drop off equipment—we stay involved.

📉 2. “Low Cost” Often Means Low Support

If a provider is promising rock-bottom pricing, be cautious. What you save up front, you may pay for later in missed violations, poor reporting, and unreliable support when something goes wrong.

Low-cost providers often:

• Outsource support to third parties

• Provide little or no training

• Delay device replacements

• Don’t help with court testimony

  
  

What we do instead: We keep costs competitive, but we also provide live support, fast replacements, court documentation, and direct contact with our leadership team. You get value—not just volume.

🧾 3. You’re Often Locked Into Proprietary Equipment

Many monitoring companies only offer their own brand of equipment—which means you’re stuck using one device, even if it’s not right for the case. If their alcohol monitor isn't reliable, or their GPS has constant communication loss, you’re out of options.

What we do instead: JSG Monitoring is equipment-agnostic. We work with all the leading technologies and manufacturers in the industry to ensure we provide the right solution for each individual client—not just what’s most convenient or beneficial for us to offer.

🕵️ 4. They May Not Testify in Court—or They’ll Send Someone Unqualified (and Charge You for It)

Here’s another industry secret: Some providers sell and monitor devices but either refuse to appear in court when violations are challenged—or charge extra for it. And when they do show up, they often send unqualified staff who aren’t recognized as experts, weakening the credibility of the data in court.

What we do instead: When it comes to courtroom testimony, no one brings more experience to the stand than we do. Our team includes the nation’s leading experts in GPS and alcohol monitoring—people who don’t just understand the technology, but who’ve helped shape how it’s interpreted in court. Whether it’s a routine violation or a high-stakes hearing, we provide testimony that’s clear, credible, and backed by real-world expertise. We stand behind our technology, our data, and our testimony—no surprises, no shortcuts.

🚫 5. “Set It and Forget It” Isn’t a Real Strategy

Too many providers treat monitoring like a vending machine: hand out a device, collect a fee, and move on. There’s no engagement, no case review, and no strategic support to help you actually improve outcomes.

What we do instead: We believe monitoring is about more than just technology—it’s about accountability, client support, and public safety. Our programs are customized, responsive, and built to serve—not just sell.

💬 The Bottom Line: Ask the Hard Questions

Before choosing a provider, ask them:

• Who reviews the alerts?

• Will you show up to testify?

• What is your response time for device replacements to minimize service interruptions?

• What devices do you offer—and will they stand up in court?

• What kind of training and support do you provide—not just at the beginning, but continuously as the program evolves and challenges arise?

If the answers aren’t clear and confident, you might not be getting what you think you’re paying for.

Want to learn more about how electronic monitoring can be a tool for positive change in your jurisdiction?

Contact us today to talk about how we can support your court, sheriff’s office, or program.

📧 Email or 📞 Call 517-783-6600