Homeland security electronic monitoring specialists, also called Immigration Case Specialists, are most often employed by the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency within the Department of Homeland Security. Them are called upon to oversee the electronic monitoring and supervision of repeat immigration law violators (non-mandatory detainees). ICE also often contracts out these positions to independent companies.
The ICE electronic monitoring device (EMD) program was designed to ensure better use of federal dollars, thereby allowing ICE officials to concentrate their efforts on higher-risk immigration offenders and reduce the time illegal aliens spend in detention custody.
The EMD program consists of two monitoring systems:
- Telephonic Reporting (TR): A call-in system that utilizes voice recognition
- Radio Frequency (RF) Monitoring: A home curfew system that utilizes an electronic bracelet
The program includes a highly structured supervision model that requires a specialized group of professionals that can provide close supervision to a small caseload of participants. In addition to electronic monitoring, the EMD program includes weekly schedules, home visits, alien reporting, and decreased levels of restrictions as participants demonstrate compliance.
Job Duties of Electronic Monitoring Specialists
Individuals who are released from custody on parole or probation may be required to be electronically monitored. Electronic monitoring specialists are the professionals who are responsible for ensuring these individuals uphold the conditions of their electronic monitoring program.
Electronic monitoring specialists often oversee the electronic monitoring program and recommend guidelines and procedures for its operation. They may prepare program procedures to ensure overall understanding and a uniform approach among other specialists and supervise other monitoring cases to ensure adherence to the program guidelines.
These professionals are also often called upon to identify and evaluate the resources needed for the program and to constantly remain aware of any legal developments as they relate to electronic monitoring. The job duties of electronic monitoring specialists often go beyond providing monitoring services, as these individuals are often tasked with maintaining personal contact with offenders/defendants and investigating to ensure compliance with the program. Their work may include the assessment, monitoring and even counseling of offenders.
Attention for detail is a must for homeland security electronic monitoring specialists, as they are called upon to maintain comprehensive records and provide these records to judicial officers and other personnel when requested. They also often serve as a resource to a court, testifying to their factual findings.
However, electronic monitoring specialists within any law enforcement agency may serve the nation’s homeland security efforts by closely monitoring individuals suspected of terrorist activities.
Electronic monitoring specialists generally perform their duties through defined and established electronic monitoring programs. The job duties of these professionals often include:
- Determining qualifications for defendants within the program
- Providing authoritative information and analysis in court proceedings or for court personnel, including probation officers and judges
- Monitoring all conditions and criteria set by the courts to ensure compliance with in-house arrest and electronic monitoring
- Surrendering clients in violation of electronic monitoring program
- Conducting interviews with clients entering electronic monitoring program
- Coordinating the installation of the electronic monitoring equipment
- Conducting random checks to ensure compliance with the program
- Determining methods of operation and required resources for electronic monitoring program
- Preparing and distributing electronic monitoring report to all concerned personnel
Jobs and Salary Statistics for Electronic Monitoring Specialists
Electronic monitoring specialists are generally required to possess, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, along with at least two years of supervisory and/or administrative experience.
Most electronic monitoring specialists possess degrees in sociology, psychology, social work, criminal justice, or a related field. Bi-lingual individuals and those individuals with experience interacting in a multicultural environment are often sought out for these jobs.
Although there are readily available salary statistics for electronic monitoring specialists, a recent job posting for an electronic monitoring specialist in Nashville reveals a salary range of $35,072 to $45,593.
Electronic monitoring specialists must participate in ongoing training and education as to stay current on new technologies and updated laws. They also complete continuing education as to enhance their techniques and skills regarding both the investigative and supervisory practices of their profession.