Global Electronic Monitoring Population & Market Dashboard 2026

How Many People Are on Electronic Monitoring Worldwide?

Approximately 1.6 million people worldwide participated in electronic monitoring programs during 2025, with an estimated 829,000 wearing an ankle monitor or other EM device at any given time. The United States accounts for roughly 60% of the global EM population, followed by Latin America (primarily Brazil) and Europe.

Electronic monitoring has expanded dramatically since the first programs in the 1980s. According to Berg Insight’s 2025 market report, the global offender monitoring market reached $1.6 billion in 2025, tracking an estimated 1.6 million full-year participants. The market is projected to grow at a 5.9% CAGR through 2030, reaching $2.2 billion as more countries adopt EM as an alternative to incarceration.

Global EM Population by Region

How Big Is the US Electronic Monitoring Population?

The United States is the world’s largest user of electronic monitoring. According to the Vera Institute of Justice, 254,654 people were on EM on any given day in 2021 — an 88% increase from 135,771 in 2015. Post-pandemic estimates from the Pew Charitable Trusts suggest the figure may have reached 500,000 by 2022.

US EM Population Historical Data

Key US EM statistics:

• 29 US states contract with private EM service providers (Vera, 2024)
• 5 states account for over 50% of the US EM population: Georgia, Texas, Florida, California, and Tennessee
• GPS is the dominant technology (60%+ of new installations), followed by RF/home curfew and alcohol monitoring (SCRAM)
• Average daily cost per subject: $3–$35/day depending on jurisdiction and technology (see our Ankle Monitor Cost Guide)

How Many People Are on Electronic Monitoring in Europe?

Europe’s combined EM population across all jurisdictions is estimated at approximately 285,000 simultaneous subjects in 2025. The Confederation of European Probation’s 13th EM Questionnaire (March 2024) documented active caseloads in 28 jurisdictions, with France being the dominant user followed by England & Wales and the Netherlands.

European EM Active Caseloads (CEP 13th Questionnaire, March 2024)

England & Wales: Monthly EM Trends (MoJ Data)

📈 UK Growth Driver: The 44% increase from Sep 2023 to Jun 2026 was primarily driven by the early release scheme (SDS40) and the expanded use of GPS for domestic abuse perpetrators. England & Wales now monitors nearly 28,000 people simultaneously — making it Europe’s second-largest EM program after France.

How Many People Are on Electronic Monitoring in Latin America?

Latin America’s EM adoption has grown rapidly, led by Brazil with 122,102 active ankle monitors as of the second half of 2024, making it the world’s second-largest national EM program. Colombia monitors approximately 5,000+ individuals, while Argentina has approximately 3,000+ under electronic supervision.

Brazil: EM Population by State (Senappen, 2024 H2)

Source: Senappen (Secretaria Nacional de Políticas Penais), “Dados Estatísticos do Sistema Penitenciário” (2024 H2). Minas Gerais leads with 19% of all EM subjects, followed by São Paulo (16%) and Rio de Janeiro (12%).

Other Latin American Countries

How Many People Are on Electronic Monitoring in Asia-Pacific?

EM adoption in Asia-Pacific varies significantly. South Korea operates a well-established GPS monitoring program for sex offenders (5,273 subjects as of July 2026), while New Zealand monitors approximately 5,900 people monthly. Australia and Japan have smaller programs focused on specific populations.

South Korea: EM Population Timeline

Sources: Korean Ministry of Justice official presentations (2026); 연합뉴스 (Yonhap News); 조선일보 (Chosun Ilbo) reporting on EM statistics.

Other Asia-Pacific Countries

China: Community Corrections Context

What Is the Global Electronic Monitoring Market Worth?

The global offender monitoring market was valued at approximately $1.6 billion in 2025, according to Berg Insight. The market is projected to grow at a 5.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2030, reaching approximately $2.2 billion. North America accounts for the largest share, followed by Europe and Latin America.

Market Growth Drivers

• Prison overcrowding — Global prison population exceeds 11.5 million (World Prison Brief, 2024); EM provides a cost-effective alternative at $3–35/day vs $90–180/day incarceration
• Pretrial reform — US bail reform movement expanding GPS monitoring as a condition of release, accelerating adoption in states like New Jersey, California, and Illinois
• Technology advancement — Next-generation GPS ankle monitors with multi-mode connectivity (BLE + WiFi + LTE) and 7+ day battery life are expanding use cases
• Domestic violence legislation — Increasing mandates for GPS monitoring of DV offenders in the US, UK, Spain, France, and South Korea
• COVID-19 legacy — Pandemic-era decarceration policies permanently expanded EM utilization in the US, UK, and Latin America

Which Countries Are Expanding Electronic Monitoring?

Several countries are actively expanding or newly adopting electronic monitoring programs. South Africa is developing an EM framework for its 65,000+ parolees. India’s courts are increasingly ordering GPS monitoring in high-profile bail cases. Japan is debating EM legislation for sex offenders. Saudi Arabia has piloted EM for traffic offenders.

Countries in EM Expansion or Planning Phase

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people in the world are on electronic monitoring?

Approximately 1.6 million people worldwide participated in electronic monitoring programs during 2025, according to Berg Insight. At any given time, an estimated 829,000 individuals wear an ankle monitor or other EM device simultaneously. The United States accounts for roughly 60% of the global total.

Which country has the most people on electronic monitoring?

The United States has the most people on electronic monitoring worldwide, with an estimated 480,000–500,000 individuals wearing an ankle monitor on any given day. Brazil is second with 122,102 active EM subjects, followed by France with approximately 40,000 and England & Wales with 27,847.

How fast is the electronic monitoring market growing?

The global electronic monitoring market is growing at approximately 5.9% annually (CAGR) and is projected to reach $2.2 billion by 2030, up from $1.6 billion in 2025. Growth is driven by prison overcrowding, bail reform, domestic violence legislation, and technology advancement including next-generation GPS ankle monitors.

Does China use electronic monitoring?

China operates the world’s largest community corrections system, supervising 4.78 million people cumulatively since 2003. Electronic monitoring devices are used in pilot programs in provinces like Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Beijing, and the 2024 Shenzhen Municipal Standard mandates GPS/BDS wearables for corrections. However, China does not publicly disclose a specific nationwide EM population figure.

What is the cost of electronic monitoring compared to prison?

Electronic monitoring typically costs $3–35 per day per subject, compared to $90–180 per day for incarceration in the US. This cost differential is a primary driver of EM expansion globally. For detailed cost data by US state, see our Ankle Monitor Cost Guide.