Committee debates alternatives to custody and liability from electronic monitoring

Committee members and staff described alternatives-to-custody programs, including a sheriff-run work program in neighboring counties where participants report each morning, pay a fee, complete assigned tasks and receive custody credit. The Chair explained the program mechanics and noted participants often must arrange their own housing and transportation, which raises practical limitations for Alpine County.

Members also discussed liability risks with electronic monitoring, including a past example the Chair cited where the county faced significant litigation after an electronically monitored person harmed someone following a violation. "Rather than saving a $130 a day of custody, we we got sued for $5,000,000," the Chair said while explaining the trade-off between short-term custody savings and long-term liability exposure. The discussion underscored the committee's intent to weigh public safety and fiscal consequences when approving alternatives to custody.