Marathon County's Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP): who qualifies, how to apply, and contacts
Marathon County's Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP) lets some people serve their jail sentence at home instead of behind bars. Here's how the program works, who qualifies, and where to send questions or applications.
Marathon County's Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP) is an extension of the jail - qualified, minimum-risk inmates serve their sentence at home while remaining under jail supervision. Approval isn't automatic. The jail treats EMP as a privilege, not a right, so whether someone gets in depends on meeting program requirements and being deemed appropriate for this level of supervision.
Note: Sentence details and timing can affect whether EMP is even an option. If you’re not sure your loved one qualifies, call the EMP Office before you spend time filling out paperwork.
Timing matters. After conviction and a jail sentence order, there's typically a 45-day window to begin serving time (unless the court says otherwise). That's often when families start exploring options like EMP and figuring out what needs to happen before a start date gets locked in.
The process starts with paperwork. Anyone interested in EMP needs to complete an application and assessment. The jail then reviews everything to decide whether the person can serve their sentence at home under supervision.
- ✓ Report to the Jail Intake Office (2nd floor, entrance at the corner of 5th St/Washington St) to select a start date and time and receive important paperwork and information.
- ✓ Arrive with no trace of alcohol or illegal drugs in your system.
- ✓ Bring any prescription medications in the original labeled containers (medication name, doctor, dosing instructions, etc.).
For EMP questions, call the EMP Office at 715-261-1321. If you're helping a loved one from the outside, keep this number handy - it'll save time when you need to confirm what to submit and where to send it.
- ✓ Return completed applications to the Jail Intake Office (2nd floor, entrance at the corner of 5th St/Washington St)
- ✓ Fax applications to 715-261-1734
- ✓ Email applications to corlt@co.marathon.wi.us
If your loved one gets accepted into EMP, they'll serve their sentence at home while still under Marathon County Jail supervision. That typically means specific rules about what they can and can't do. If you're helping them plan around work, transportation, childcare, or household needs, get the details straight from the EMP Office so your plans line up with the jail's requirements.
Note: EMP rules and restrictions can be very specific to the person’s situation. When you call, ask what compliance looks like day-to-day so there are no surprises after approval.
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