Ankle Monitoring: Own A Business, Control Your Freedom

Ankle monitoring is a form of surveillance used as an alternative to imprisonment, often for first-time and non-violent offenders. The wearer usually has to pay for the cost of the monitor and a daily use fee, which can range from $3 to $35 per day, in addition to set-up costs. Private companies that provide ankle monitoring services can charge hundreds of dollars per month, and if people can't pay, they may end up in jail. This has led to concerns about the expansion of mass incarceration and the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.

Initial and running costs

The initial and running costs of starting a business in ankle monitoring are multifaceted. The total cost of a business security system for a small or medium-sized business can be broken down into three price factors: security hardware, installation and activation costs, and alarm monitoring.

For security hardware, a business could expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000, with the average for a small to medium business with one facility being around $3,000. This includes video cameras, access control hardware, and alarm monitoring hardware.

Installation and activation costs tend to be around $300 to $700, with an average of $500. The size of your business property will impact this cost, as will any installation discounts offered by security providers in exchange for long-term monitoring contracts.

Alarm monitoring costs around $40 to $120 per month on average. This cost may increase depending on the number of devices being monitored and the type of monitoring chosen (landline vs. cellular).

In addition to these upfront costs, there are also ongoing costs associated with running an ankle monitoring business. This includes the cost of the ankle monitors themselves, which can be charged to the wearer or covered by the business. Court systems often charge a daily use fee of $5-15, plus a setup fee of up to $200.

Furthermore, as an ankle monitoring business, you will likely need to employ staff to monitor the alarms and manage the system. The cost of employee salaries will need to be factored into your running costs.

Additionally, there may be maintenance and repair charges for the security system, as well as costs associated with insurance, licensing, and other operational expenses.

It is important to note that these are average estimates, and the actual costs may vary depending on the specific needs and requirements of your business.

Who pays

In the United States, the government pays for ankle monitors for some federal criminal justice system members and tens of thousands of immigrants supervised by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. However, for most people, private companies charge defendants hundreds of dollars a month to wear the surveillance devices. This can cost the wearer $10 a day, plus a setup fee of $50 or more. Some court systems charge on a sliding scale based on income and ability to pay, while others have a set fee of about $5-$15 per day.

In St. Louis, for example, the city saves money by passing the financial burden of the devices onto those who wear them. It costs the city roughly $90 a day to detain a person awaiting trial, but when individuals pay $10 a day for their own supervision, it costs the city nothing.

In 2014, a study by NPR and the Brennan Center found that, with the exception of Hawaii, every state required people to pay at least part of the costs associated with GPS monitoring.

Some people are put on "offender-funded" payment plans for monitors that sometimes cost more than their bail. They don't get this money back, even if they're found innocent.

Types of ankle monitor

There are three main types of ankle monitors used by law enforcement agencies in the US and Canada: Radio Frequency (RF) ankle monitors, Global Positioning System (GPS) ankle monitors, and Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) ankle monitors.

Radio Frequency (RF) ankle monitors are used to enforce curfews and home arrests. They consist of a wearable monitoring device and a secondary device installed in the home that acts as a tether. The home unit detects the bracelet within a range of 50 to 150 feet and sends signals to a monitoring centre. RF monitors are often used for individuals who are required to adhere to specific curfews and house arrest cases.

Global Positioning System (GPS) ankle monitors track the wearer's location using GPS technology. They offer more freedom of movement compared to RF monitors, as they are not restricted to a specific range from the home unit. However, case managers or officers can set exclusion and inclusion zones, and the device will notify the monitoring centre if the wearer enters a restricted area. GPS monitors are useful for individuals who need to travel to pre-approved locations while still ensuring their whereabouts are tracked.

Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) ankle monitors are primarily used to detect alcohol consumption. They periodically analyse the wearer's sweat to determine the presence of alcohol. SCRAM monitors are typically used for individuals with alcohol-related offences, such as driving under the influence (DUI). Additionally, SCRAM monitors are equipped with a GPS tracker to track the wearer's location.

What they can be used for

Ankle monitors are often used as an alternative to jail time for first-time and non-violent offenders. They are also used for those on house arrest, bail, probation, or parole. In some cases, they are used for people awaiting trial, serving probation, or facing immigration proceedings.

Ankle monitors are used to track an individual's location and can be used to set limits on where they can go. They are monitored 24 hours a day, and if an individual goes outside a specific perimeter, the monitor will alert the monitoring station.

In addition to location tracking, some ankle monitors can also detect the wearer's alcohol levels by testing their sweat. These Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitors (SCRAM) are often used for individuals arrested for or convicted of driving under the influence.

Ankle monitors are also used in schools to monitor truant students, and by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to monitor individuals in the U.S. illegally, pending their upcoming hearing.

Pros and cons

Pros of Ankle Monitoring Business:

• Enhanced Security and Safety: GPS ankle bracelet monitoring can ensure the well-being of employees working in potentially hazardous environments, such as construction, mining, or offshore operations. Real-time location tracking enables rapid response in emergencies or accidents.
• Asset Management: Beyond personnel monitoring, GPS ankle bracelets can track valuable assets and equipment, safeguarding them against theft and facilitating prompt recovery in case of loss.
• Improved Employee Accountability: GPS monitoring can promote employee accountability, especially in remote work or field operations. Supervisors can ensure that work-related tasks are carried out efficiently, enhancing overall operational productivity.
• Efficient Resource Allocation: By tracking employee movements and task completion, businesses can optimize resource allocation and make informed decisions to enhance operational efficiency.

Cons of Ankle Monitoring Business:

• Privacy Concerns: Employees may feel uncomfortable with constant monitoring, leading to decreased morale and potential legal challenges.
• Data Security: There are inherent risks associated with data transmission and storage, and ensuring the protection of sensitive location data is critical.
• Operational Costs: There are costs involved in purchasing, maintaining, and managing GPS ankle bracelet technology, including initial investment and ongoing data subscription fees.
• False Positives and Negatives: GPS ankle bracelets may occasionally yield false positives or negatives, leading to misunderstandings and undermining the system's reliability.

Frequently asked questions