Ankle Monitoring: Who Pays For Criminals' Surveillance?

Ankle monitors are often touted as a humane alternative to jail time, but the reality is that they are costly, with prices ranging from $3 to $35 per day, in addition to initial setup charges that can reach $200. This financial burden is typically passed on to the offender, who must pay hundreds of dollars a month to private companies for the privilege of wearing these surveillance devices. While the daily usage fee varies depending on location and device type, it generally falls between $5 and $20 per day. The high cost of ankle monitoring has sparked debates about the ethics of profiting from imprisonment and the potential to drive offenders further into debt and recidivism.

Who pays for ankle monitoring?

In the United States, the government pays for ankle monitors for some individuals in the federal criminal-justice system and for tens of thousands of immigrants supervised by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. However, in most cases, the individual required to wear the ankle monitor is responsible for paying for it.

In most states, individuals on electronic monitoring are required to pay daily, weekly, or monthly fees, or a flat rate, in order to be tracked and monitored. The cost of installing an ankle monitor can be up to a few hundred dollars, and the monthly monitoring services can also cost hundreds of dollars. If the individual cannot pay, this may result in extended periods of supervision, additional fees, or even jail time.

In California, offenders are generally responsible for paying any costs associated with using an electronic monitoring instrument, although people are not generally excluded from the program based exclusively on an inability to pay. Similarly, in Florida, the person who has a court-ordered GPS monitor has to pay for the monitoring services, including the device's installation and monitoring.

How much does it cost?

The cost of an ankle monitor varies depending on the state and the type of device. In the US, most states charge a daily usage fee, typically between $5 and $20 per day, plus a one-time setup fee of around $100 to $200. However, there are exceptions, such as in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, where offenders must pay a daily monitor fee of $7 if they are on bond or $12 if they are serving a sentence. In South Carolina, there is a setup fee of $179.50, plus a daily fee of $9.25. In Riverside County, California, the daily fee is $7 for a regular unit and $12 for a cellular unit. In Augusta, Georgia, there is a $12 daily fee, a $50 setup fee, and a $39 monthly fee to a probation company. Hawaii is the only state that does not pass the costs on to those who wear ankle monitors.

The cost of the monitors to the government is between $800 and $1,500 per device. In comparison, the cost of housing a prisoner averages $20,000 per year, whereas the cost of house arrest is around $6,000 per year.

In addition to the daily and setup fees, some states may also charge a monthly fee to the probation company monitoring the bracelet, typically between $30 and $60 per month.

For those who cannot afford the cost of an ankle monitor, there may be the option of a sliding income scale or other alternatives such as court reminders and transportation assistance. However, failure to pay the fees associated with ankle monitors can result in a return to jail.

Are there additional costs?

Yes, there are additional costs associated with ankle monitoring. The cost of an ankle monitor varies depending on location, the type of device, and whether the wearer is serving a sentence or on bond.

Most states in the US charge a daily usage fee, typically between $5 and $20 per day, plus a one-time setup fee ranging from $100 to $200. Some states also charge a monthly fee to the probation company monitoring the device, which can be between $30 and $60 per month.

For example, in St. Louis, Missouri, defendants are required to pay a private company, Eastern Missouri Alternative Sentencing Services (EMASS), $10 per day for GPS monitoring, plus a $50 installation fee and a $300 upfront payment to cover the first 25 days of monitoring. In Riverside County, California, the daily fee is $7 for a regular unit and $12 for a cellular unit. In South Carolina, there is a $179.50 setup fee, plus a $9.25 daily fee.

The cost of ankle monitoring can be a significant financial burden, particularly for those from low-income households or with limited job prospects due to their criminal record. In some cases, individuals may be charged interest on their debt or face additional fees for late payments.

Some states offer sliding-scale fees based on income, and there may be financial assistance available for indigent defendants. However, the high cost of ankle monitoring can create a cycle of debt and incarceration, particularly for those who cannot afford the associated fees.

Can you save money on ankle monitoring?

Ankle monitoring is an alternative to jail, allowing people to be tracked by GPS while out of prison. However, private companies that provide this service often charge defendants hundreds of dollars a month to wear the devices. This can lead to people being unable to pay and subsequently ending up behind bars.

In the case of Daehaun White, a 19-year-old who was charged with tampering with a motor vehicle, he was required to pay $10 a day to a private company, Eastern Missouri Alternative Sentencing Services (EMASS), for his ankle monitor. This was in addition to a $50 installation fee and $300 upfront to cover the first 25 days. White, who was earning minimum wage, struggled to find the money to pay for the monitor, and his mother, who had recently lost her job, had to pay EMASS on his behalf to avoid him being sent back to jail.

The financial burden of ankle monitoring can be significant, and it is often passed on to those who can least afford it. This can create a cycle of debt and incarceration, particularly for those who are already struggling financially.

While ankle monitoring can save money for cities and states by reducing jail populations, it can also create financial challenges for those who are monitored, who may struggle to cover the costs. This can lead to difficult choices and financial strain, especially for those who are already facing economic hardships.

To save money on ankle monitoring, some people may choose to refuse the bracelet and remain incarcerated, as the cost of monitoring can be higher than the cost of staying in jail. However, this is not always an option, as judges may order the use of ankle monitors as a condition of release. Additionally, refusing ankle monitoring may result in longer sentences or other consequences.

In some cases, judges may waive fees for indigent defendants or establish funds to help those who cannot afford the cost of monitoring. However, this is not always the case, and people may still struggle to cover the expenses associated with ankle monitoring, leading to financial difficulties and potential legal consequences.

Overall, while ankle monitoring can save money for the criminal justice system, it can also create financial burdens for those who are monitored, particularly those who are already economically disadvantaged.

What are the pros and cons of ankle monitoring?

Pros of Ankle Monitoring

Ankle monitoring can be a humane alternative to jail, allowing individuals to continue with daily activities and maintain employment while serving their sentences. It can also be a way to ensure the safety and security of employees working in potentially hazardous environments, such as construction, mining, or offshore operations. Additionally, ankle monitoring can be used to track valuable assets and equipment, and improve employee accountability and operational efficiency.

Cons of Ankle Monitoring

One of the biggest disadvantages of ankle monitoring is the cost, as defendants often have to pay monitoring fees. The length of time spent on house arrest is usually longer than a jail sentence. There are also privacy concerns, as individuals on ankle monitoring can receive visits day or night from their probation officer. In addition, ankle monitoring can lead to social isolation and stigma, exacerbating depression and anxiety for wearers. Furthermore, there are data security risks and operational costs associated with the technology.

Frequently asked questions