Understanding E-Carceration: Electronic Monitoring, the Surveillance State, and the Future of Mass Incarceration

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2022
Publisher: The New Press

The growing trend of surveillance, monitoring, and control that is extending our prison system beyond physical walls and into a dark future is explored in depth in James Kilgore's groundbreaking book, Understanding Mass Incarceration. By the author of the acclaimed The New Jim Crow, James Kilgore is a highly respected commentator on the issue of mass incarceration and the urgent need for transformative change.

In recent years, as the critique of mass incarceration has gained momentum, reformers have embraced policies aimed at releasing individuals from prisons and jails. However, as educator, author, and activist James Kilgore astutely demonstrates, these rapidly spreading reforms primarily fall under the umbrella of "e-carceration." This term encompasses a range of punitive technological interventions, including ankle monitors, facial recognition apps, and other tools, that deprive people of their liberty, all in the name of ending mass incarceration.

E-carceration has far-reaching consequences, impacting individuals' access to employment, housing, healthcare, and the opportunity to spend time with loved ones. These technologies collect vast amounts of data, which are often stored in corporate and government databases. This data can be used for further punishment or sold to Big Tech companies, leading to increased surveillance and control over individuals.

Kilgore's book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the world of techno-punishment. Drawing on his personal experiences as a survivor of prison and e-carceration, he offers a deep understanding of the breadth and complexity of these technologies. He also provides inspiring ideas on how to resist and challenge the growing trend of e-carceration.

One of the key themes of Kilgore's book is the importance of recognizing the human rights and dignity of individuals who are subjected to e-carceration. He argues that the use of these technologies is often arbitrary and violates fundamental rights, such as the right to privacy and the right to freedom of movement. Kilgore calls for a more ethical and responsible approach to the use of technology in the criminal justice system, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and the protection of individual rights.

Another important aspect of Kilgore's book is the impact of e-carceration on marginalized communities. He highlights the disproportionate impact of these technologies on Black, Latinx, and Indigenous individuals, who are already overrepresented in the criminal justice system. Kilgore argues that e-carceration perpetuates systemic inequalities and reinforces the cycle of poverty and incarceration. He calls for policies that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, education, and healthcare, and that prioritize the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals into society.

Kilgore's book also raises important questions about the role of technology in shaping our society. He explores the ethical implications of using these technologies for surveillance and control, and questions whether they are compatible with democratic values and human rights. He argues that the increasing reliance on technology in the criminal justice system raises concerns about the erosion of privacy, the concentration of power, and the potential for abuse.

In conclusion, James Kilgore's Understanding Mass Incarceration is a must-read for anyone interested in the issue of mass incarceration and the growing trend of e-carceration. Through his personal experiences and insightful analysis, Kilgore provides a comprehensive and inspiring perspective on the world of techno-punishment. He calls for a more ethical and responsible approach to the use of technology in the criminal justice system, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and the protection of individual rights. His book also raises important questions about the role of technology in shaping our society and the ethical implications of its use for surveillance and control. By reading Kilgore's book, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our criminal justice system and work towards a more just and equitable future.

Dimension: 177 x 177 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781620976142