Select CoreCivic Community facilities are now working with TRACKtech to provide justice-involved individuals high-tech monitoring systems that not only help enhance supervision, but also provide resources and assistance to those who recently reentered society. The TRACKtech monitoring devices are made up of a smartphone and tether that resembles a smart watch in place of the more traditional ankle monitors.

The smartphone is equipped with pre-loaded apps that have been approved for use by CoreCivic and our government partners. This includes apps that help participants build resumes, find jobs and housing, access health care and banking, and more. The phone also allows participants to send documentation to their counselors and case managers, make secure video calls, and send text messages.

In addition to providing more resources and accessibility to participants, the TRACKtech devices have also been beneficial to case managers at CoreCivic. Staff can now easily reach participants and send mass messages in case of emergency. Also, staff can immediately access information like location check-ins, participants' schedules, and more to maintain accountability and safety.

Radio frequency monitoring and traditional ankle monitors have been the primary tracking tool for justice-involved individuals under supervised release in the U.S. for more than 40 years, respectively. Wearing an ankle monitor can feel stigmatizing and negatively affect a person's ability to find employment or housing. Furthermore, it can negatively affect the way the community interacts with that person. Use of a smartphone and wrist tether can help erase the stigma, as most people now use devices like these on a daily basis.

CoreCivic piloted the TRACKtech system at its Austin Residential Reentry Center in May 2023. Administrators found it was a bit of a transition for both staff and participants, but they quickly adjusted and found the system to be easy to navigate. Participants reacted positively to the new resources and information that are now accessible at the click of a button on this technology.

Since then, CoreCivic Community residents who are eligible for the new smartphones and wrist tethers have expressed their excitement to be able to wear attire such as shorts and dresses without fear of confronting the ankle monitor stigma.

For example, a CoreCivic resident who recently received a smartphone and tether was able to attend his son's high school graduation ceremony. In another case, a CoreCivic resident was able to visit a relative in the hospital before they passed away, and then attend the funeral.

The ability to attend major life events like these allows justice-involved individuals to positively reintegrate into their families and communities, which is essential to their successful reentry journey.

There are seven CoreCivic Community facilities currently using the TRACKtech smartphones and wrist tethers, with one additional facility undergoing the pilot phase of the app.