Hamilton County Police: 24/7 Ankle Bracelet Monitoring?

Ankle monitors are often used as an alternative to incarceration, with judges ordering them in lieu of or in addition to harsher penalties. They are used to track an individual's location and are monitored 24 hours a day. In the US, they are usually ordered by a judge for defendants on probation, parole, or house arrest. They can also be used to monitor alcohol consumption, which is particularly useful for those with alcohol-related offenses. The data collected by these devices is sent to a monitoring station or center, and if the wearer goes outside a specific perimeter or tampers with the device, the authorities are alerted. While ankle monitors are promoted as a more humane alternative to jail, private companies often charge defendants hundreds of dollars a month to wear them, and if they can't pay, they may end up behind bars.

How do ankle monitors work?

Ankle monitors are electronic devices equipped with GPS technology that are strapped around the ankle and can't be removed by the wearer. They are used as a form of surveillance, often as a condition of bail or probation, or as an alternative to jail time. The device uses radio frequency signals to communicate with a monitoring station and can be programmed to allow wearers to move within a certain perimeter, alerting the monitoring station if they go outside of the designated area.

The monitor tracks the wearer's location at all times and can detect alcohol intake by testing the wearer's sweat. If the wearer tampers with the device, a signal is sent to law enforcement agencies, which may result in an arrest. The battery life of a monitor varies, but with a full charge, it can last anywhere from 12 hours to about 2.5-3 days. The wearer must regularly charge the device according to strict rules, or risk being thrown back in jail.

The use of ankle monitors has been criticised for exacerbating systemic inequities, with fees for wearing the devices ranging from $3 to $35 a day, in addition to setup charges of up to $200. This has led to people being incarcerated due to an inability to pay. The stigma, social isolation, and stress associated with being monitored have also been found to exacerbate mental health issues for wearers.

Despite these criticisms, the use of ankle monitors has increased, with the devices seen as a more effective punitive measure than fines or community service. They are also used in healthcare settings, particularly for patients with dementia, to prevent them from wandering away.

Who uses ankle monitors?

Ankle monitors are typically used for individuals who are on probation or parole, or those who are awaiting trial. They can also be used for people convicted of a crime who are considered low-risk and not a danger to the community.

In the US, ankle monitors are often used as an alternative to imprisonment, allowing individuals to serve their sentences while remaining in the community. This gives criminal defence lawyers an extra option, and allows people to continue working, attending school, and caring for their families while serving their sentences.

Ankle monitors are also used in healthcare settings, and in immigration contexts. For example, in the US, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may order a person who is in the country illegally to wear a GPS monitor instead of holding them in a detention centre.

In some jurisdictions, ankle monitors are used as part of bail or probation conditions. They can also be used to monitor sobriety, with Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) bracelets detecting alcohol in a person's sweat.

In the UK, ankle monitors are used for those on a Home Detention Curfew, and for those subject to a curfew under the Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Act 2011.

What are the rules for wearing an ankle monitor?

Ankle monitors are used as an alternative to incarceration, allowing offenders controlled freedom while maintaining public safety. They are often used for those on parole, probation, or house arrest, and sometimes for those awaiting trial. The rules for wearing an ankle monitor vary depending on the individual's situation and the court's conditions, but here are some general guidelines:

• Ankle monitors are locked into place and cannot be removed by the wearer until the court-approved date. Tampering with or attempting to remove the device is strictly prohibited and will result in legal consequences.
• Ankle monitors track the wearer's location using GPS technology or radio frequency signals. The wearer's movements are restricted to a specific area or perimeter set by the court. If the wearer goes outside the designated area, the monitor will alert the authorities.
• Ankle monitors may be used to detect and monitor alcohol consumption by analyzing the wearer's sweat. This is especially relevant for individuals with alcohol-related offenses, such as driving under the influence (DUI).
• The wearer may be required to meet with their probation or parole officer at scheduled times and adhere to specific curfews.
• In some cases, the wearer may be allowed to travel outside their designated area for specific purposes, such as work, medical appointments, religious services, or court hearings. However, these trips must usually be scheduled and approved in advance.
• The cost of ankle monitors can be significant, with installation fees and monthly monitoring charges. In some cases, the wearer may be responsible for covering these expenses.

It is important to note that the specific rules and restrictions associated with wearing an ankle monitor can vary depending on the jurisdiction, the severity of the crime, and the individual's circumstances.

How much do ankle monitors cost?

Ankle monitors are often touted as a humane alternative to jail. However, private companies charge defendants hundreds of dollars a month to wear the devices. If people can't pay, they may end up behind bars.

The cost of an ankle monitor is usually between $50 to $100 to install, with an additional daily monitoring fee ranging from $5 to $40. For example, in St. Louis, defendants are required to pay $10 a day to a private company, Eastern Missouri Alternative Sentencing Services (EMASS). This amounts to $300 upfront to get the monitor attached, covering the first 25 days, plus a $50 installation fee.

In South Carolina, most parolees wearing ankle monitors can't pay the fees, resulting in the state collecting less than 1% of the fees attached to ankle monitors. Similarly, in Wisconsin, less than half of the ankle monitor fees were collected in 2015, and only around 30% were collected between 2012 and 2014.

The cost of ankle monitors can create a cycle of poverty, as parolees struggle to pay the daily fees while also facing challenges in finding employment due to the stigma associated with the devices.

What are the benefits of ankle monitors?

Ankle monitors are electronic devices equipped with GPS technology that are strapped around the ankle and used to track an individual's location at all times. They are often court-ordered for defendants on probation, parole, or house arrest, and can be used as an alternative to incarceration. While the use of ankle monitors has been a topic of debate, there are several benefits that can be associated with their use.

• Alternative to Incarceration: One of the main benefits of ankle monitors is that they provide an alternative to incarceration. Instead of spending time in jail, individuals can be placed under community supervision with certain restrictions on their movements. This allows them to maintain their daily routines, continue working, and stay connected with their families.
• Deterrence and Crime Prevention: Ankle monitors can act as a deterrent and help prevent crimes by high-risk individuals. The knowledge that their movements are being tracked may discourage individuals from committing further offenses or violating the terms of their probation or parole.
• Victim Safety: In cases of domestic violence or stalking, ankle monitors can provide peace of mind and an increased sense of safety for victims. The monitors can alert authorities if the offender enters an exclusion zone or comes too close to the victim's location. This allows victims to remain in their homes and maintain a sense of security.
• Offender Accountability: Ankle monitors promote accountability for offenders by providing an added measure of supervision and consequences for breaching probation. The fear of repercussions may help keep offenders on their best behaviour and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
• Rehabilitation: Ankle monitors, when combined with treatment or rehabilitation programs, can facilitate positive behavioural changes. The supervision and structure provided by the monitors can support individuals in making better choices and reducing their risk of recidivism.

While ankle monitors offer these benefits, it is important to acknowledge that their use has also been criticized for issues such as cost, privacy concerns, and the potential for false violations or technical glitches. Additionally, there is ongoing debate about their effectiveness in reducing recidivism rates and their impact on individuals trying to rebuild their lives after prison.

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