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Electronic Monitoring in Europe: Insights from the 13th Electronic Monitoring conference Questionnaire

The 13th Electronic Monitoring (EM) conference Questionnaire has now been released, offering a comprehensive overview of how EM is applied across Europe today.ion.

What was once considered a marginal practice has become a widely used supervision method, though its role and governance continue to vary significantly between countries. In some jurisdictions, EM is embedded within probation services and supports reintegration, while in others it reflects an extension of custody, managed by prisons or police authorities. The involvement of private companies in certain systems further highlights important questions around accountability and sovereignty.

The findings also underline that technology is not neutral. Choices around equipment, procurement, and system design shape not only how EM operates, but also how it is perceived and experienced.

While EM presents clear benefits such as reducing reliance on custody, supporting reintegration, and enhancing victim protection, it also brings challenges. These include risks of net widening, technical and ethical concerns, and questions around long-term sustainability.

A key takeaway from this report is that EM cannot stand alone. Its effectiveness and legitimacy depend on its integration within broader correctional strategies, supported by professional oversight and aligned with the Council of Europe’s human rights standards.

This 13th questionnaire provides a valuable comparative baseline and contributes to ongoing efforts to ensure that EM evolves as a balanced tool, combining security with dignity and control with opportunities for rehabilitat

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CEP President Annie Devos and Vice-President Daniel Danglades continued their daily coverage on Division_Y, sharing key insights from discussions at the Congress.

A central theme highlighted during Day 2 was the importance of focusing on what works in practice, and how effective integration requires active participation in society. As discussed, professional probation practice is not only about systems and structures, but about placing the person at the centre, responding to individual needs, and recognising rehabilitation as a journey within the community.

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CEP continues to follow the Congress closely and will provide daily updates throughout the week until 17 April.

👉 Watch the English-language video here: https://youtu.be/VqfSwnvJQuw

👉 A German-language reflection from Day 2 by Laura Schneider (Bewährungs- und Gerichtshilfe Baden-Württemberg) is also available on the Referat_Y YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/GOSOogfHleo

More information about the Congress: https://www.wcpp2026.id/

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