Comforting Friends With Ankle Monitors: What You Can Do

If a friend has been mandated to wear a GPS ankle monitor, they may be feeling a range of emotions, including embarrassment, anxiety, or even depression. As a friend, it is important to offer support and comfort during this difficult time. While the terms and conditions of ankle monitoring can vary, it is important to understand the restrictions and rules your friend must follow to help them adjust to this new situation. Understanding the ins and outs of GPS ankle monitoring can alleviate some of the anxiety associated with this situation. Be there to listen and provide emotional support, and help them navigate any practical challenges they may face, such as financial difficulties or social stigma. Remember, your friend is likely feeling vulnerable, so offer a safe and non-judgmental space for them to express their feelings.

Reassure them that they're not alone

It can be incredibly distressing for your friend to have to wear a GPS ankle monitor. Reassure them that they are not alone and that many people are in the same situation. In fact, GPS ankle monitors are becoming increasingly common as an alternative to jail time. Your friend might feel isolated and embarrassed, so remind them that this is a common experience for people who are out on bond.

GPS ankle monitors are often used for people who are awaiting trial and are considered a danger to the community or a flight risk. They are also used for people who have committed serious crimes, such as murder, sexual assault, or major drug offences. Additionally, they are used for repeat offenders, individuals with a history of reoffending, or those who have violated bail or parole terms in the past. If your friend falls into any of these categories, remind them that they are not being singled out and that the monitor is a standard procedure in such cases.

Furthermore, remind your friend that ankle monitors are often used as a way to reduce bail amounts. By agreeing to wear the monitor, your friend has likely saved a significant amount of money that would have otherwise been spent on bail. This can be a comforting thought, knowing that the monitor is helping to alleviate financial burdens associated with the legal process.

Finally, if your friend is feeling particularly self-conscious about the monitor, remind them that the device is designed to be unobtrusive and is typically about the size of a pager. While it may feel like a constant reminder of their legal troubles, assure them that most people won't even notice it.

Explain the purpose of GPS ankle monitors

GPS ankle monitors are used to track an individual's movements and location, usually as a condition of their bail or probation. They are often used as an alternative to pre-trial detention or jail sentences for non-violent crimes, allowing offenders to maintain a sense of freedom within prescribed boundaries. The monitors are typically strapped to the individual's ankle with a tamper-proof band and use GPS technology to transmit their location to a base unit, usually located in their home.

Courts may order individuals to wear ankle monitors if they are considered a flight risk or a danger to the community. The monitor ensures that the individual stays within the boundaries set by the court and does not get into more trouble. Violating the terms of the ankle monitor can result in additional penalties, including jail time.

The use of GPS ankle monitors offers several benefits, including reduced jail overcrowding and costs, as well as rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society. It provides an opportunity for individuals to continue their daily routines, improve their social and vocational skills, and maintain employment while being monitored.

The terms and conditions of wearing an ankle monitor can vary depending on the individual's situation. Some common conditions include sticking to a specific area, avoiding certain people, adhering to a curfew, or refraining from consuming alcohol.

Discuss the terms and conditions they need to follow

The terms and conditions of wearing a GPS ankle monitor vary depending on the wearer's situation and the court's decision. However, there are some common rules and restrictions that generally apply. Here are the key terms and conditions that your friends may need to follow:

• Restricted movement and geographical limits: The GPS ankle monitor will track your friends' locations at all times. They will likely be restricted to specific areas, such as within a certain radius of their homes. If they go beyond the designated boundaries, the device will vibrate and emit a warning tone. If they fail to return to the permitted area, an alert will be sent to the authorities.
• Regular check-ins: They may be required to regularly check in with a probation officer or a supervising authority to ensure compliance with the set conditions.
• Curfew requirements: They may need to adhere to a specific curfew as part of their release conditions.
• Avoid certain individuals: They will probably be instructed to avoid any contact with potential victims or anyone else specified by the court.
• Abstain from drugs and alcohol: Your friends will likely be prohibited from consuming drugs or alcohol during the monitoring period. In some cases, the ankle monitor may even be equipped with technology to detect alcohol consumption through their sweat.
• Maintain the device: They will be responsible for keeping the device charged and in good condition. Any attempts to damage, remove, or tamper with the device will result in serious consequences, including potential criminal charges and revocation of their release privileges.
• Compliance with court orders: Ultimately, your friends must understand that wearing a GPS ankle monitor is a court-mandated condition of their release. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions set by the court can result in severe penalties, including jail time and higher bail amounts.

Offer practical tips to make the monitor more comfortable

• Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid anything too tight or constricting around the monitor, which could lead to chafing and skin irritation.
• Apply lotion to the skin around the monitor to keep it from drying out and help with any irritation caused by the anklet.
• Ensure the monitor is snug but not too tight. It should be secure enough that it doesn't slip off, but you should still be able to move your ankle freely.
• Use a soft adhesive padding like moleskin to keep the monitor in place. This can be found at most drugstores and is often used to prevent blisters when wearing shoes.
• Wear a sweatband or rolled-down sock to keep the bracelet from "bouncing" on the ankle bone. This can also help to keep the monitor from slipping.
• Wear thick socks or a wrist sweatband beneath the bracelet to keep it from moving around and to provide a layer of cushioning.

Provide emotional support and help them stay positive

It can be difficult to know how to comfort a friend who has been mandated to wear a GPS ankle monitor. Here are some ways to provide emotional support and help them stay positive:

Listen non-judgmentally: It is important to be there for your friend and listen to them without judgement. Allow them to express their feelings and concerns without interrupting or offering quick solutions. Sometimes, people just need a safe space to vent and get things off their chest.

Validate their feelings: Let your friend know that it is okay to feel upset, frustrated, or angry about their situation. Normalise their emotions and help them understand that their feelings are valid and understandable given the circumstances.

Offer practical help: While your friend may need to adhere to certain conditions, there are still ways you can help them practically. For example, if they are required to stay within a certain radius, offer to accompany them to approved locations or assist with tasks that need to be done outside of that radius.

Provide emotional support: Check in with your friend regularly to see how they are doing emotionally. Ask open-ended questions and actively listen to their responses. Offer words of encouragement and remind them that this situation is temporary.

Help them stay positive: Encourage your friend to focus on the things they can control, such as adhering to the conditions of their release and working towards any personal goals they may have. Help them find healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise, meditation, or journaling. Organise positive and enjoyable activities that comply with their restrictions, such as game nights, movie marathons, or cooking together.

Remember, your friend is likely dealing with a range of emotions and may feel embarrassed or ashamed about their situation. By offering non-judgmental support, validation, and practical help, you can make a difficult time a little easier for them.

Frequently asked questions