Other Undergraduate 584 words

GPS Surveillance of Domestic Violence Defendants in Casework

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Abstract

This paper reviews and annotates Ibarra, Gur, and Erez's 2014 article on the use of GPS and surveillance technology to supervise domestic violence defendants. The review summarizes the article's core argument—that surveillance has become pervasive in criminal justice casework—and then applies critical analysis to the real-world use of GPS monitoring in cases involving restraining orders. The paper considers both the practical value of GPS as a safeguard for alleged victims and the ethical concerns raised by its widespread use, including the potential for misuse, the allocation of resources, and broader societal implications of normalized surveillance.

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What makes this paper effective

Clearly identifies and summarizes the source article's central argument before moving into independent analysis, providing a transparent foundation for the commentary that follows.
Uses a concrete, relatable example (badge-swipe surveillance) to bridge the abstract concept of pervasive surveillance to everyday experience, making the argument accessible.
Acknowledges counterarguments — such as false accusations and the misallocation of resources — which adds balance and intellectual honesty to the brief.

Key academic technique demonstrated

The paper demonstrates source annotation combined with applied analysis. Rather than simply summarizing the article, the writer evaluates its claims against real-world scenarios (restraining order enforcement) and raises original ethical questions about surveillance in society. This moves the response from pure summary toward critical engagement with the literature.

Structure breakdown

The paper is organized into three labeled sections: an overview that introduces and summarizes the source article, an analysis section that critically examines GPS monitoring and its justifications, and an application section that tests the article's ideas against practical and ethical questions. This three-part structure — summarize, analyze, apply — is a standard format for academic article annotations and brief critical reviews.

Overview of the Article

Reference: Ibarra, P., Gur, O., & Erez, E. (2014). Surveillance as casework: Supervising domestic violence defendants with GPS technology. Crime Law and Social Change, 62(4), 417–444. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10611-014-9536-4

The focal point of the article under review is the use of surveillance and GPS technology as a means of supervising individuals who are suspects in domestic violence cases. Many people facing charges for such crimes are deemed a potential danger to the alleged victim, and some jurisdictions therefore use GPS technology to help ensure that defendants are not harassing or otherwise causing harm to the alleged victim. The use of this technology makes surveillance a significant component of the casework that the criminal justice system must manage.

The journal article states that the use of surveillance has become "pervasive," and it examines both its proliferation and its impact on society. The article also explores "whether an agency is directed towards crime control and risk management, providing treatment and assistance, or observing due process" when it comes to the use of such technology. The report notes that surveillance is a substantial part of everyday life and that this often pertains even to people who are not convicts or suspects. For example, someone swiping a badge to enter a building is having their activity surveilled — the identity of the person entering, the time of entry, and related data are all being captured. Employers or others monitoring social media activity represent a less automated version of the same overall behavior.

Analysis of GPS Monitoring in Domestic Violence Cases

The world is becoming increasingly digitized and surveillance-oriented. While this may be unsettling and deemed improper by some, it is in many cases a necessary trade-off. When someone is arrested for domestic violence, there is usually probable cause for the arrest. Arresting officers are typically not present when the alleged crime occurs and tend to arrest the individual who displays the most injuries or the more defensive injuries. Beyond that, there are genuinely abusive, controlling, and violent individuals whose partners or spouses face real danger.

GPS monitoring can and does serve an important function in situations involving restraining orders — helping to ensure that an abusive partner keeps away from the victim. The saying "a restraining order is just a piece of paper" exists for a reason. Even when a court order bars contact, some defendants disregard it entirely, driven by a sense of entitlement or by seriously disordered thinking. At the same time, it must be acknowledged that people do make false accusations, and innocent individuals could be drawn into GPS monitoring as a result.

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Application and Ethical Considerations · 115 words

"Ethics, resource allocation, and societal implications"

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Key Concepts in This Paper

GPS Monitoring Domestic Violence Surveillance Casework Restraining Orders Crime Control Due Process Electronic Supervision Surveillance Ethics Criminal Justice Resources