Cutting Off Ankle Monitors: Easy Escape Or Myth?

While it is possible to cut off an ankle monitor, it is not recommended. People under house arrest have tried using various tools, from bolt cutters to blowtorches, to remove their monitors. Most ankle monitors are made of thin rubber and can be cut with kitchen shears or scissors. However, doing so will likely trigger an alarm, alerting authorities. While it is possible to go into hiding after removing the monitor, it is challenging to put it back on without being detected. Removing an ankle monitor is considered a violation of the monitoring program, and can result in additional charges and penalties, including prison time.

Ankle monitors can be cut with scissors or kitchen shears

Ankle monitors are not impossible to cut off, and it can be done with scissors or kitchen shears. The monitoring bracelets are designed to be easily cut in an emergency, so they pose less of a health risk to the wearer. For example, if the bracelet became caught in machinery or needed to be removed to provide emergency medical care.

The SCRAM bracelet, or Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring System, even has a labelled line to show where to cut in an emergency. Most other bracelets are made of a thin rubber cuff, which can be cut with kitchen shears. However, it is important to note that cutting off an ankle monitor will likely set off an alarm, alerting the authorities. This is because a radio transmitter is embedded in the bracelet, which is programmed to send a distress signal when tampered with.

Additionally, it is very difficult to put the bracelet back on after it has been cut off. Signs of tampering, such as cut marks or twisted plastic, will be noticed by parole officers, and the offender will be considered to have violated the terms of their monitoring program. Therefore, while it is possible to cut off an ankle monitor with scissors or kitchen shears, it is not a viable option for those trying to avoid detection.

The number of people who have cut off their ankle monitors is increasing, but it is worth noting that some people are also letting their ankle monitor batteries die. This is a growing concern for public safety, as it allows accused criminals to evade monitoring and potentially commit further crimes.

Cutting off an ankle monitor triggers an alarm

Ankle monitors are usually fitted with a radio transmitter that is programmed to send a distress signal when the device is tampered with. Cutting off the ankle monitor will likely trigger an alarm, alerting the authorities.

The radio transmitter is embedded in the bracelet, and while manufacturers don't disclose the specifics of tamper-proofing, it is believed that a wire runs through the band's length. When this wire is cut, a circuit is broken, sending an alert. Some bracelets also have internal light sensors that detect when the transmitter housing is opened.

While it is possible to cut off an ankle monitor, it is not without consequences. The authorities will be notified, and the individual may face additional charges or penalties for violating the terms of their monitoring program.

In addition to cutting off the ankle monitor, some individuals have also been known to let the battery die as a way to circumvent the monitoring. This has been a growing issue, with police having to re-arrest individuals and charge them with new offences, such as resisting an officer.

Overall, while it may be physically possible to cut off an ankle monitor, it is not an easy solution as it triggers an alarm and leads to further legal repercussions.

Some people let their ankle monitor batteries die instead

While cutting off an ankle monitor is not impossible, it is challenging. People have tried using bolt cutters and blowtorches on GPS Monitoring Solutions' "bad boy cuff" without success. However, most courts use a thin rubber cuff, which can be cut using kitchen shears or scissors. When the bracelet is cut, it usually sets off an alarm, notifying the authorities.

Some people choose to let their ankle monitor batteries die instead. This method is less obvious and may buy them some time before the authorities are notified. According to Maj. Nelson Bowling, defendants are required to charge their ankle monitor batteries for two hours every night. If the battery starts to run low, the CMPD will try to get the person's attention, sometimes even visiting them in person.

However, letting the battery die is also considered tampering and is a crime. If it is deemed that the defendant intentionally let the battery run out, it is taken more seriously by the authorities. For example, Clifton Grier was re-arrested more than a week after he allowed his electronic monitor to die, and he faced new charges, including resisting an officer. In another case, a teenager was charged with raping and robbing a woman just days after his ankle monitor battery died.

While cutting off the ankle monitor or letting the battery die may provide a temporary escape, it is essential to remember that these actions are crimes and will likely result in more severe consequences for the individual.

Consequences of cutting off an ankle monitor can include prison time

An ankle monitor is not impossible to remove, but it is challenging. A pair of scissors or kitchen shears can be used to cut through the rubber cuff. However, doing so will set off an alarm, as a radio transmitter embedded in the bracelet is programmed to send a distress signal as soon as it is tampered with. The wearer's location will be tracked, and authorities will be alerted.

The difficulty comes after the bracelet is removed, as law enforcement will be notified. While it is possible to cut off the bracelet, it is very challenging to do so without triggering the alarm. Even if someone manages to cut the bracelet without setting off the alarm, regular examinations by parole officers or supervisors will reveal signs of tampering, such as cut marks or twisted plastic. This would also be considered a violation of the monitoring program and could result in legal consequences, including potential prison time.

Additionally, if someone is caught after cutting off their ankle monitor, they may face further charges for escaping custody or violating the terms of their release. The specific consequences will depend on the jurisdiction and the nature of the original charges. Seeking legal advice from a lawyer or public defender is crucial to understand the potential repercussions and explore possible defence strategies.

Ankle monitors are only good when they're on, according to police

However, taking them off is a very bad idea. If you cut through your bracelet, you'll probably set off an alarm. A radio transmitter embedded in the bracelet is programmed to send a distress signal as soon as it's tampered with. So while it's not difficult to remove an ankle monitor, it's very difficult to take one off and put it back on later without detection. Parole officers or other supervisors regularly examine the bracelets for signs of tampering. If they see any cut marks or twisted plastic, the wearer has violated the terms of the monitoring program.

Even if you do manage to avoid detection, you'll still have to deal with the consequences if you're caught. Depending on your jurisdiction, removing an ankle monitor could result in a prison sentence, additional charges, and having to pay for the cost of the device.

So while it may be tempting to try and remove an ankle monitor, it's definitely not worth it in the long run.

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