Juvenile Detention GPS Monitoring Program

Serving Communities Since 1986

The GPS Monitoring Program by North Iowa Juvenile Detention provides an alternative to secure detention, allowing youth to remain in their community while ensuring continuous supervision. This program enables youth to maintain their educational commitments, attend necessary appointments, and, if applicable, retain employment. Through 24/7 monitoring, the program ensures compliance with court conditions while promoting stability in the youth’s daily life.

Trained staff oversee program participants, ensuring they adhere to their Juvenile Court Services (JCS) GPS monitoring agreement. This includes verifying their attendance at school, medical and mental health appointments, and other required activities. Additionally, staff monitor compliance with location restrictions, preventing youth from visiting prohibited addresses, including those of victims, co-defendants, or negative influences. By managing these responsibilities, the program alleviates some workload for Juvenile Court Officers, allowing them to focus on critical casework.

Program Features

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Professional Installation: Trained staff install GPS monitors at the detention center or travel to the youth’s location as needed, per JCO arrangements.
Daily Monitoring: Staff conduct morning reviews of the youth’s previous day’s activities.
Violation Reporting: Reports on contract violations are sent to the Juvenile Court Officer. Daily reporting is available upon request.
Battery Alerts: Staff notify the youth or guardian when the GPS monitor battery is low and remind them to charge it. The JCO will be informed of these issues.
Real-Time Tracking: Live location tracking is available when requested.
Tamper Alerts: Staff receive immediate notifications via text message if the youth attempts to remove or tamper with the monitor, allows the battery to deplete, or interferes with signal transmission (e.g., wrapping the device in foil).
Adjustable Supervision Levels: The program’s intensity can be modified based on the youth’s compliance supervision can be reduced for those demonstrating responsibility or heightened for those failing to meet expectations.
Incident Response: If a device is lost or damaged, staff coordinate with law enforcement and handle the necessary paperwork to pursue charges for destruction.
User-Friendly Technology: The GPS device is simple to use and requires only 60–90 minutes of daily charging.
Cost Efficiency: The program costs $40.00 per day, totaling $1,200.00 for 30 days—a significant cost savings compared to $5,250.00 for 30 days in secure detention.
For additional information contact Mike Meyerhoff, Program Coordinator at 319-833-3386