Clever Criminal: Ankle Monitor Evasion Tactics

Ankle monitors are often used as a condition of bail or parole, or as an alternative to jail time. They are typically used for people who are considered a danger to the community or a flight risk. The monitors use GPS tracking systems to record the location of the wearer and ensure they stay within boundaries set by the court. While ankle monitors are meant to provide an alternative to incarceration, they have been criticised for exacerbating systemic inequities and causing stress, social isolation, and anxiety for those who wear them.

Despite their purpose as a surveillance tool, ankle monitors can be bypassed. In the following paragraphs, we will explore the ways in which a clever person might bypass an ankle monitor.

A person wearing an ankle monitor can be a flight risk

Ankle monitors are used to ensure that the wearer stays within the boundaries set by the court. If a person attempts to leave the designated area, the device will vibrate and emit a loud tone. If the wearer does not return to the designated area, the device will send an alert to the authorities. This makes it very difficult for a person to flee successfully.

In addition to the ankle monitor, those out on bond may also have to meet other conditions, such as sticking to a specific area, avoiding certain people, or adhering to a curfew. All of these factors combined make it challenging for a person to become a flight risk.

However, there have been discussions online about the possibility of bypassing an ankle monitor while flying. Some people suggest that the monitor will lose its signal at a certain height or speed, but others argue that the authorities will easily figure out that the wearer is heading to an airport. Others suggest wrapping the monitor in aluminium foil to weaken the signal, but this is not a guaranteed method. Overall, attempting to bypass an ankle monitor is a risky move that could result in further legal consequences.

Ankle monitors are an alternative to jail sentences

Ankle monitors are increasingly being used as an alternative to jail sentences. They are worn around the ankle and use GPS technology to track an individual's location and movements. They are typically used for people on probation or parole, those awaiting trial, or those convicted of a crime but considered low-risk. Ankle monitors allow individuals to maintain their jobs, continue to support their families, and remain part of their community while serving their sentences.

There are several advantages to ankle monitors over traditional imprisonment. They are less expensive than incarceration and enable individuals to reintegrate into society more easily. However, there are also disadvantages. Ankle monitors can be uncomfortable and cause skin irritation. Individuals with ankle monitors are subject to strict rules and regulations, and any violation can result in additional penalties or imprisonment.

In recent years, the use of ankle monitors has gained popularity as a more humane alternative to incarceration. However, some argue that they are just another form of incarceration, restricting movement and infringing on civil liberties. The high cost associated with ankle monitors, which is often passed on to the wearer, can also lead to financial burdens and further entangle individuals in the criminal justice system.

While ankle monitors can provide a viable alternative to jail sentences in certain cases, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks and ensure that they are used with discretion, taking into account the offender's risk of recidivism and the nature of the crime.

Ankle monitors can be used to reduce bail amounts

Ankle monitors are often used as a condition of bail, allowing individuals to remain out of custody while awaiting trial. They are typically used for people who are deemed a low-risk offender, a flight risk, or a danger to the community. By agreeing to wear an ankle monitor, individuals can reduce their bail amount, as it assures the court that they will stick to the set conditions and not run away. This can increase the chance of getting a lower bail price or even no bail at all.

The use of ankle monitors provides an additional layer of security and compliance for the court system. It allows for GPS tracking of an individual's movements and location, ensuring they stay within designated boundaries. This reduces the risk of bail bond forfeiture and makes it easier to locate an individual if they decide to flee. Ankle monitors can also monitor specific behaviours, such as alcohol consumption, which is particularly relevant for repeat DUI offenders.

While wearing an ankle monitor can impact an individual's privacy and employment prospects, it offers the freedom to live at home and continue working. It is a less restrictive alternative to pre-trial detention or jail, helping to reduce incarceration costs and maintain public safety. However, ankle monitors can be expensive, with daily fees and installation costs that can quickly add up. Failure to comply with the conditions of the ankle monitor can result in additional penalties, including higher bail amounts or jail time.

Overall, ankle monitors can play a crucial role in the criminal justice system by providing a balance between ensuring public safety and allowing individuals to remain out of custody while awaiting trial. By agreeing to wear an ankle monitor, individuals can reduce their bail amounts and maintain their freedom during the legal process.

Ankle monitors can be used to ensure the offender stays away from the victim

Ankle monitors are often used as a way to ensure that an offender stays away from their victim. This is especially common in cases of domestic violence, where the offender is required to maintain a mandated distance from the victim.

Ankle monitors, also known as electronic monitoring devices, are typically used for people who are awaiting trial, serving probation and parole, or facing immigration proceedings. They are also used for those who have been granted bail, deemed a flight risk, or considered a danger to the community.

The use of ankle monitors has been on the rise, with the number of active electronic monitors in use increasing by 140% from 2005 to 2015. This rise can be attributed to the aggressive marketing of private companies and the desire to reduce prison populations and costs.

While ankle monitors are promoted as a humane alternative to jail, they come with their own set of drawbacks and restrictions. Offenders are often required to pay hundreds of dollars a month to private companies for the use of these devices, and if they cannot pay, they may end up back in jail. The constant surveillance and restrictions on movement can also take a mental toll on the wearer, causing feelings of isolation and anxiety.

Additionally, ankle monitors may not always be effective in ensuring that offenders stay away from their victims. These devices can be bypassed, and in some cases, offenders have cut off their monitors because they can no longer tolerate the restrictions and surveillance.

Ankle monitors can be used in immigration cases

The use of ankle monitors in immigration cases is often justified as a more humane alternative to detention, and it is certainly a cheaper option for the government. However, ankle monitors have been criticised for causing physical, psychological, and economic harm. The monitors are equipped with GPS tracking and can broadcast pre-programmed audio messages in English. They must be recharged for several hours each day while still attached to the body. This can cause swelling of the foot and leg, as well as severe cramps. The devices can also cause social stigma and shame, with one wearer describing it as "a modern-day scarlet letter".

The psychological effects of ankle monitors can be severe, with 12% of immigrants in one report considering suicide as a result of being monitored. 88% of those surveyed spoke of mental health issues, trouble sleeping, migraines, and depression. The monitors can also make it difficult to find and keep a job, with many immigrants reporting that their colleagues and members of the public associated ankle monitors with criminality. This can lead to social isolation and financial hardship, with two-thirds of participants in the report experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the monitor.

The use of ankle monitors in immigration cases raises concerns about the expansion of the immigration-incarceration-industrial complex and the treatment of immigrants as criminals. While ankle monitors may be presented as a more humane alternative to detention, they can still inflict significant harm and restrict the freedom and movement of immigrants.

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