Alcohol Monitoring: Ankle Bracelets For Sober Living

Alcohol monitoring ankle bracelets, also known as SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring) bracelets, are court-ordered devices used to monitor offenders who are prohibited from consuming alcohol, most commonly in cases involving driving under the influence (DUI). These bracelets are typically worn for 30, 60, or 90 days and sample the wearer's perspiration every 30 minutes to detect the presence of alcohol. SCRAM bracelets provide an innovative and continuous way to monitor alcohol consumption, helping to ensure compliance with court orders and increase community safety. While they can be uncomfortable and expensive, SCRAM bracelets have been proven to support long-term behaviour change and reduce the risk of reoffending.

SCRAM bracelet cost

The SCRAM bracelet, which stands for Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring, is an innovative way to carry out continuous alcohol monitoring. The bracelet is fitted to the ankle of an individual and is typically worn for 30, 60, or 90 days.

The SCRAM bracelet is often court-ordered for those convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) and in other cases involving drugs and alcohol. Courts may also order SCRAM bracelets in other types of cases where alcohol use is problematic, such as family court, domestic violence cases, underage drinking cases, and substance abuse cases.

The cost of a SCRAM bracelet can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the individual's financial circumstances. Typically, there is an installation fee and a daily monitoring fee. The installation fee can range from $50 to $100, while the daily monitoring fee can be around $10 to $15. This means the monthly cost of wearing a SCRAM bracelet can be $300 to $450 or more.

In some cases, defendants may be charged a one-time installation fee and a higher daily monitoring fee, resulting in even higher monthly costs. The private company that provides the SCRAM bracelet in a particular jurisdiction will set the specific fees.

It is important to note that courts usually order defendants to pay for both the installation and daily monitoring fees as part of their penalty for a DUI conviction. This can be a significant financial burden for some individuals, especially when coupled with other court-related fees and penalties.

How SCRAM bracelets work

SCRAM bracelets, short for Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring, are lightweight, portable alcohol-monitoring devices that are fitted to an individual's ankle. They are often court-ordered for drunk-driving offenders, as well as in cases involving drug and alcohol use, domestic violence, and underage drinking.

The SCRAM bracelet works by monitoring the wearer's perspiration every 30 minutes to detect the presence of alcohol. When a person consumes alcohol, about 4% is excreted through the lungs and kidneys, and 1% is excreted through the skin in the form of perspiration. The SCRAM bracelet uses an electrochemical fuel cell to test this perspiration, which is on the skin at all times, and can detect even low levels of alcohol consumption (1-2 units).

The bracelet is equipped with temperature and infrared sensors that can detect any attempts to tamper with or obstruct the device. If an offender tries to remove the bracelet, the monitoring company and the court or probation department will be notified. This can result in severe consequences for the offender, such as the termination of probation or jail time.

The SCRAM bracelet automatically transmits testing data to the SCRAM Wireless Base Station, where it is stored and uploaded to SCRAM Optix, an online monitoring software. The data is then analysed by a team of professionally trained analysts, who review any alerts and report violations to the supervising authority. This automated testing ensures that no tests are missed, and it distinguishes between drinking and environmental sources of alcohol.

The SCRAM bracelet is designed to be unobtrusive and cause minimal disruption to an individual's daily life. It is fitted to the ankle with a hypoallergenic soft rubber strap and a robust tamper clip. Individuals can still shower, work out, and engage in everyday activities while wearing the bracelet. However, swimming is not allowed as it may trigger an alarm, and individuals are advised to avoid products containing alcohol to prevent false alcohol reports.

SCRAM bracelets' accuracy

Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) ankle bracelets are used to monitor alcohol consumption. They are often used as a condition of a person's bond or probation, and courts can order them in DUI and other cases involving drugs and alcohol. SCRAM bracelets are considered scientifically accurate and reliable, and evidence of alcohol consumption and tampering is generally reliable enough to be admitted into court proceedings. However, false positives can occur due to the presence of alcohol in various consumer goods.

How SCRAM Bracelets Work

SCRAM bracelets work by testing the wearer's perspiration every 30 minutes. When a person consumes alcohol, a certain amount is metabolized and emitted as sweat through the skin. The bracelet contains sensors that use transdermal alcohol testing technology to measure the amount of alcohol vapour emitted through the skin. The data is then collected and transmitted to a monitoring centre.

Accuracy of SCRAM Bracelets

SCRAM bracelets are generally considered accurate and reliable by courts. They are able to differentiate between the consumption of alcohol and external environmental sources of alcohol. For example, if there is a sudden peak in the reading, it indicates that an environmental factor has caused the result. Actual alcohol consumption will show a gradual, curved reading as the alcohol level in the body slowly increases.

SCRAM bracelets are also equipped with temperature and infrared sensors that can detect attempts to tamper with or obstruct the device. The bracelets have safeguards in place to detect any attempts to remove or interfere with them. For example, if the battery is removed and reinserted, the bracelet will detect it. Additionally, there is a small electrical signal that continuously passes through the strap, so any cuts or tampering with the strap will interrupt the signal.

False Positives

While SCRAM bracelets are considered accurate, false positives can still occur. This happens when the bracelet incorrectly indicates that the wearer has consumed alcohol when they have not. This can be due to the presence of alcohol in various consumer goods such as hairspray, lotions, mouthwash, and even kombucha. While using these products may not directly trigger a false positive, spending an extended period of time in an environment with high levels of alcohol in the air, such as a hair salon, could trigger a false positive.

It is important to note that SCRAM bracelets cannot confirm complete abstinence from alcohol. Even low levels of alcohol consumption (1-2 units) can be detected by the bracelet.

Who has to wear SCRAM bracelets

SCRAM bracelets are court-ordered alcohol-monitoring ankle bracelets. They are most commonly used in cases where the defendant has been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) but are also used in other types of cases involving drug and alcohol use. This includes family court, domestic violence cases, underage drinking cases, and cases involving charges related to substance abuse.

In criminal cases, the court orders the defendant to wear the bracelet for a set period, often 60 or 90 days. However, in some cases, the offender must wear a SCRAM monitor for a year or longer as a term of probation or parole. Offenders who are required to use SCRAM bracelets must wear them 24/7.

SCRAM bracelets are designed to detect alcohol and any kind of tampering with the bracelet itself. If an offender attempts to remove a SCRAM bracelet, the monitoring company will be notified and will report the tampering to the court or the probation department. Tampering with a SCRAM bracelet can lead to severe consequences for the offender, such as termination of probation or jail time.

The bracelets work by monitoring the wearer's perspiration every 30 minutes. When a person drinks alcohol, a certain amount will be metabolized and emitted as sweat through the skin, which the SCRAM device detects. The bracelets connect with a Base Station, and information from the bracelet is sent wirelessly twice a day. If the participant is not in range of the Base Station, the bracelet will still gather information and transmit readings when the participant returns to the range.

SCRAM bracelets are fitted and removed by trained professionals who will meet the individual to install the bracelet and base station. Once the bracelet is fitted, experts prepare a report detailing any alcohol consumption events and any attempts to prevent the bracelet from working.

What happens if you tamper with a SCRAM bracelet

Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) bracelets are court-ordered alcohol-monitoring devices worn on the ankle. They are typically used in cases where the defendant has been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or other alcohol-related offences. These bracelets are equipped with advanced anti-tamper technology, and any attempts to circumvent them can lead to severe consequences.

If an individual attempts to remove or tamper with a SCRAM bracelet, the monitoring company will receive a notification and report the incident to the court or the probation department. Tampering with a SCRAM bracelet is considered a serious offence and can result in legal repercussions, including termination of probation, jail time, or other penalties imposed by the court.

The SCRAM bracelet has several built-in tamper-resistant features:

• Battery Removal Detection: The bracelet detects when the battery is inserted, so if someone tries to remove and reinsert it, the authorities will be alerted.
• Electrical Signal: There is a small electrical signal passing through the strap. If the strap is cut or tampered with, the signal is interrupted, indicating potential tampering.
• Infrared Sensor: The bracelet contains an infrared sensor that shines a beam of light against the skin. If something is placed between the bracelet and the skin, the reading will vary, triggering a tamper alert.
• Temperature Sensor: The temperature sensor monitors the temperature, and any significant variance may indicate that something has been placed between the skin and the bracelet, triggering an alert.

In addition to these features, the SCRAM bracelet also has a robust tamper clip that secures the strap and battery to the individual's ankle. If someone attempts to remove the clip, it must be destroyed, providing further evidence of tampering.

It is important to note that tampering with or attempting to circumvent a SCRAM bracelet is not only illegal but also counterproductive. The bracelets are designed to support individuals in their recovery and compliance with legal obligations. By tampering with the device, individuals risk facing legal consequences and disrupting their progress towards positive change.

Frequently asked questions