What is a major weakness of electronic monitoring?

The selected answer highlights a significant limitation of electronic monitoring in supervising offenders. While electronic monitoring can track an individual's location and movements, it fundamentally relies on the assumption that knowing they are being monitored will deter individuals from engaging in criminal behavior. However, the reality is that the presence of monitoring technology does not guarantee compliance or prevent deviant acts.

Electronic monitoring mainly serves as a tool for tracking and enforcing conditions of probation or parole but does not address the underlying motivations or circumstances that may lead an individual to commit offenses. This means that while the device can signal to others that the person is under supervision, it does not intervene in real-time to prevent acts of deviance. Consequently, without additional supportive measures—such as counseling, employment opportunities, or community engagement—electronic monitoring alone is insufficient for preventing future criminal behavior.

The other options provided indicate strengths of electronic monitoring or imply a false sense of security regarding its capabilities that do not accurately reflect its limitations.