DUI State Prison In Lorain County, Ohio. Modeled after the Baltimore County facility, this facility opened in 2000. The new, 500-bed DUI prison will house only felony DUI offenders, defined as a fourth or subsequent offense in six years or vehicular homicide. The prison term will include a comprehensive assessment of each prisoner and will have a strong emphasis on community service. Research has shown that there is a significant reduction in recidivism while the restriction is in place.
Interlocks are relatively inexpensive and are often paid for by the offender.
The monitoring devices may use a radio frequency transmitter worn by the offender, or include random programmed telephone calls where the offender must identify himself or herself to the computer. A camera takes a picture of the offender and blows into a breathalyzer, with the information being relayed by telephone to a computer. Home confinement with electronic monitoring is currently being used in some areas as an alternative to traditional jails to help relieve overcrowding. Offenders have said the program was effective because it offered monitoring, structure and support for an extended period of time. Electronic monitoring is cost effective in comparison to jail, and some programs are self-sufficient with costs paid by the offender.