Gps Ankle Monitors: Cancer Risk Or Safe Surveillance?

The use of GPS ankle monitors has been a topic of debate in recent years, with some people considering it an alternative to mass incarceration. However, the technology behind these monitors has been criticised for being faulty and imprecise, which can have negative impacts on the lives of those forced to wear them. One of the concerns is the possible health risk that these devices pose, with some studies finding a link between cell phone radiation and brain tissue damage, as well as an increased risk of brain cancer. While the link between EM radiation and cancers is still being debated, it is a cause for concern, especially for those who have to wear these monitors for extended periods. In addition to the health risks, there are also psychological impacts on those who wear these monitors, as well as their families. The constant recharging of the devices can interfere with daily activities and cause stress. The monitors have also been known to cause shame and embarrassment, impacting the mental health of the wearer. Overall, while GPS ankle monitors are seen as a way to reduce recidivism and enhance community safety, there are valid concerns about their accuracy, effectiveness, and potential health risks.

GPS ankle monitors have been linked to increased rates of skin and bone cancer

Additionally, the monitors themselves heat up when charged, causing skin irritation. The constant need for recharging also interferes with the wearer's daily life and can cause psychological stress.

The physical presence of the ankle bracelet can also lead to diminished privacy, as people may see the monitor and assume the wearer is a criminal. This can cause embarrassment and shame, impacting the wearer's mental health and their relationships with others.

Furthermore, there are concerns about the accuracy and reliability of GPS ankle monitors. They are prone to false alerts, which can lead to unnecessary stress and even false arrests.

Overall, while GPS ankle monitors are intended to be a positive alternative to incarceration, their potential health risks and negative impacts on the lives of those wearing them cannot be ignored.

The monitors have been found to cause psychological distress to those forced to wear them

The use of GPS ankle monitors has been found to cause psychological distress to those forced to wear them. The stigma associated with the devices, which are often equated with "sex offenders", can lead to feelings of shame, fear, and discomfort. The monitors can also interfere with social relationships and employment opportunities, further contributing to the psychological distress of those wearing them.

In a study conducted by William Lally, a professor at Eureka College in Illinois, students were placed on simulated "house arrest" for 72 hours and required to wear an electronic monitoring device. At the end of the experiment, many students reported feeling a sense of shame and loneliness, with their self-image temporarily changing while wearing the bracelet.

Additionally, the constant recharging of the devices can be inconvenient and disruptive to daily life, causing psychological stress for those who have to wear them. The devices can also cause physical discomfort, such as lower back problems, foot numbness, and skin irritation.

The psychological impact of GPS ankle monitors can be particularly severe for those who are not on probation or supervised release and have already served their sentences. Their privacy rights have been restored, yet they continue to be subjected to monitoring and surveillance, which can lead to a sense of being under constant scrutiny and invasion of privacy.

Furthermore, the use of GPS ankle monitors has been associated with social stigma and negative perceptions from the public. This can lead to difficulties in finding employment and maintaining social relationships, as people may avoid or discriminate against those who are forced to wear the devices.

Overall, the use of GPS ankle monitors has been found to have negative psychological effects on those who are required to wear them, causing distress, shame, and interference with various aspects of their lives.

The devices are prone to false alarms, which can lead to unnecessary arrests

The GPS ankle monitors are prone to false alarms, which can lead to unnecessary arrests. This is due to a variety of environmental and human factors.

In 2005, Washington State performed a test run with "passive" devices (which record where the person has been and must be uploaded to read) and found 4,000 "notices of violation," the vast majority of which were false alarms due to technical difficulties. In Arizona, a 2007 legislative study found more than 35,000 false alerts by 140 subjects wearing the GPS-monitoring devices.

There are several reasons why GPS ankle monitors may malfunction and send false alarms. Firstly, the position of a person in relation to a GPS satellite or tower, the atmosphere, or errors within the device itself can degrade accuracy. Secondly, satellite signal blockage due to buildings, bridges, trees, etc., indoor or underground use, signals reflected off buildings or walls ("multipath"), radio interference or jamming, satellite maintenance/maneuvers creating temporary gaps in coverage, improperly designed devices that do not comply with GPS Interface Specifications, and faulty mapping software issues can all cause false alarms.

False alarms caused by GPS ankle monitors can have serious consequences for the wearer. In 2008, David Pollitt of Connecticut was arrested for a parole violation because his GPS monitor falsely claimed he had left his home for 15 minutes. Despite protests from Pollitt and his sister that he was in the backyard, he was arrested. In another case, Troy Hawkins spent five days in jail when a power outage caused his device to lose connection.

False alarms also have financial implications for taxpayers, as they result in increased resource needs to investigate the false alarms and manpower issues. For example, in South Carolina, most parolees wearing ankle monitors cannot pay the fees, so taxpayers end up covering the costs, amounting to a tab of $3.5 million.

To reduce false alarms, manufacturers have introduced features such as strap technology, which virtually eliminates false alerts by setting off an alarm if the wearer tampers with the device. Additionally, the use of beacons can help to maximize the performance of the bracelet and make it more accurate by reducing location and communication alerts.

GPS ankle monitors can interfere with medical procedures such as MRIs, mammograms, and X-Rays

The potential interference of GPS ankle monitors with medical procedures is a significant concern, especially for individuals who require regular medical care or have existing health conditions. It is crucial for those fitted with GPS ankle monitors to inform their healthcare providers about the device to ensure appropriate measures are taken during medical procedures.

Moreover, the presence of GPS ankle monitors can also impact the accuracy of medical imaging. The metal components in the monitor may affect X-Ray images, leading to potential misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment plans. This interference can be particularly problematic for individuals who require frequent X-Rays or other imaging procedures.

In addition to the potential interference with medical equipment, there are also concerns about the long-term health effects of wearing GPS ankle monitors. Some studies have suggested a possible link between cell phone radiation and an increased risk of brain cancer. While the research is still ongoing, the constant exposure to electromagnetic radiation from GPS ankle monitors may pose health risks over time.

The manufacturers and proponents of GPS ankle monitors often tout them as a more humane alternative to incarceration. However, the potential health risks and interference with medical procedures associated with these devices raise serious concerns about their use. It is essential to carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of GPS ankle monitors to ensure the well-being of those who are required to wear them.

Furthermore, the psychological impact of wearing GPS ankle monitors cannot be overlooked. The constant surveillance and stigma associated with these devices can lead to mental health issues for the wearers and their families. The negative psychological effects, combined with the potential physical health risks, underscore the importance of thoroughly evaluating the use of GPS ankle monitors and exploring alternative solutions that balance public safety with the well-being of those under surveillance.

The monitors can cause physical discomfort, including lower back problems and foot numbness

The GPS ankle monitor is a device that tracks the wearer's location and reports it to a designated monitoring centre. The monitor is usually used for people on probation or parole, undocumented immigrants, and people awaiting trial.

While the ankle monitor is meant to be an alternative to incarceration, it has been found to cause physical discomfort. The monitor has to be charged by tethering to a wall for long periods, which can be tricky for those with newborns or small children. The monitor also has to be recharged often, which can be disruptive to daily life and work.

The GPS ankle monitor has also been found to cause lower back problems and foot numbness. The monitor is strapped to the ankle, and the strap has been found to be restrictive. The monitor is also bulky and can cause skin irritation.

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