Charging Ankle Monitors: Who's Responsible?

Ankle monitors are electronic monitoring devices used by law enforcement to track the location of individuals under house arrest or probation. They are typically worn as ankle bracelets and require regular charging to function effectively. The question of whether or not these devices need to be charged is essential, as it impacts the ability to monitor the wearer's location and ensure adherence to the terms of their confinement or probation. In this context, understanding the charging requirements and the consequences of failing to charge the device is crucial for both the authorities and the individuals subject to monitoring.

Who is responsible for charging ankle monitors?

Ankle monitors, also known as electronic monitoring devices, are typically worn by people serving a sentence of house arrest or home confinement. They are used by authorities to track the wearer's movements and location, and to ensure they are abiding by the terms of their detention.

Ankle monitors do need to be charged, and it is the responsibility of the wearer to ensure this happens. In New Zealand, for example, those wearing a GPS tracker are required to charge it for two hours every day. In the US, people on ankle monitors in Chicago and Alameda County, California, are also expected to charge their devices daily.

In some cases, the wearer may be instructed to charge their ankle monitor for a specific amount of time each day. For example, in North Carolina, defendants are required to charge their ankle monitor batteries for two hours every night. If the battery is running low, law enforcement may contact the wearer, sometimes even visiting them in person, to remind them to charge their device.

If a person on an ankle monitor fails to charge their device, they may be in violation of the terms of their monitoring program. This could result in a warning, stricter monitoring conditions, or even revocation of the program and a return to jail or prison.

What happens if an ankle monitor battery dies?

Ankle monitors, or electronic monitoring devices, are typically worn by defendants who have been released from custody pending their trial. These devices are meant to be charged for two hours every night by the defendant. If the battery runs low, law enforcement agencies like the CMPD will try to get in touch with the defendant, sometimes even visiting them in person. In most cases, a simple phone call is made to inform them of the low battery and request that they charge it.

However, if the defendant ignores this warning and lets the battery die, law enforcement will be alerted, and the defendant will immediately be considered a fugitive. This has happened in several cases, where defendants have been re-arrested and charged with additional crimes, such as resisting an officer. In one instance, a defendant was charged with robbery and theft and later re-arrested and charged with resisting an officer after his ankle monitor battery died.

The issue of defendants letting their ankle monitor batteries die or even cutting off the devices has sparked criticism of the electronic monitoring program. This, coupled with a more lenient new bail policy, has raised concerns about public safety and the potential for defendants to commit further crimes.

While the program aims to provide a pretrial release option for defendants, the effectiveness of the ankle monitors relies on the defendants taking their responsibility to charge the devices seriously. When batteries die, law enforcement must act quickly to locate the defendant and ensure they are not a danger to society.

How often do ankle monitors need to be charged?

Ankle monitors, also known as electronic monitoring devices, are typically used as an alternative to imprisonment or to facilitate house arrest. These devices are worn by individuals on probation or parole, and they help authorities monitor their location and ensure adherence to the terms of their home detention.

The ankle monitors need to be charged regularly to function effectively. According to Maj. Nelson Bowling, defendants are required to charge their ankle monitor batteries for two hours every night. This nightly charging routine ensures that the device has sufficient power to operate continuously throughout the day.

If the battery level of an ankle monitor drops too low, law enforcement agencies may intervene to get the wearer's attention. This intervention could include a phone call, reminding the individual to charge their device. In some cases, law enforcement officers may even visit the defendant in person to address the issue.

While dead batteries are less common than ankle monitor tampering or removal, they still contribute to the challenges faced by authorities in ensuring effective monitoring. Therefore, regular charging of ankle monitors is essential to maintain the integrity of the electronic monitoring program and to prevent unintended consequences for the wearers.

What is the cost of charging ankle monitors?

The cost of charging ankle monitors varies depending on location, type of device, and whether the wearer is serving a sentence or on bond.

In the US, the cost of ankle monitors is usually shouldered by the wearer, and can be anywhere from $5 to $20 per day, plus a one-time setup fee of $100 to $200. The cost of charging the device is included in the daily usage fee.

In La Crosse County, Wisconsin, offenders must pay a daily monitor fee, which is $7 if they are on bond or $12 if they are serving a sentence. In South Carolina, a setup fee of $179.50 is charged, plus a daily fee of $9.25. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department in California charges $7 per day for a regular unit and $12 per day for a cellular unit. In Augusta, Georgia, a man paid $12 per day for a bracelet with a breathalyser, plus a $50 setup fee and a $39 monthly fee to a probation company.

The cost of charging ankle monitors can be a significant financial burden, especially for those who are already struggling financially. In some cases, people have been sent back to jail for failing to pay the fees associated with ankle monitors.

What are the alternatives to ankle monitors?

Ankle monitors are used as an alternative to traditional imprisonment, allowing individuals to serve their sentences while remaining in the community. They are typically used for individuals on probation or parole, or those awaiting trial. They can also be used for low-risk individuals convicted of a crime who are not considered a danger to the community.

There are several alternatives to ankle monitors, which can be used in conjunction with or in place of this form of surveillance. Here are some examples:

Bail or Probation: Ankle monitors are often used as a condition of bail or probation, rather than as a standalone punishment. This means the individual must comply with certain conditions set by the court, such as regular check-ins, drug testing, or restrictions on travel.

House Arrest or Home Detention: This involves confining an individual to their residence for a specified period, with their movements monitored electronically. This can be done using an ankle monitor, but other forms of electronic monitoring, such as surveillance cameras or phone check-ins, may also be used.

Curfews: Ankle monitors with GPS technology can enforce curfews, restricting an individual's movements during certain hours. This is often used in conjunction with other measures, such as bail or probation conditions.

Electronic Monitoring in Vehicles: This method tracks the location of a person through a device installed in their vehicle. This can be used to ensure an individual is adhering to a specified route or set of destinations.

Drug and Alcohol Monitoring: For offenders with substance abuse issues, sobriety tags or alcohol monitoring systems can be used. These devices monitor sweat samples or blood alcohol levels to ensure the individual is abstaining from substance use.

Psychiatric and Dementia Monitoring: In certain cases, electronic monitoring has been used for individuals with mental health issues or dementia. This is often done to prevent wandering and ensure the safety of the individual. However, this practice is controversial and raises ethical concerns about patient privacy and human rights.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of these alternatives depends on various factors, including the selection of offenders, the robustness of technology, prompt responses to breaches, and communication between criminal justice agencies and contractors. Additionally, the suitability of each alternative will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the individual's needs and risks.

Frequently asked questions