Swimming Safely: Ankle Monitors And Alcohol Restrictions

SCRAM ankle monitors are an innovative way to monitor a person's alcohol consumption by sampling their sweat every 30 minutes. The device is typically worn 24/7 by DUI offenders as a penalty for their DUI arrest. While it is possible to swim with a SCRAM ankle monitor, it is not recommended as submerging the device underwater may be considered an attempt to destroy it, and will likely trigger a tamper alert.

How to swim with a SCRAM ankle monitor without breaking it

Swimming with a SCRAM ankle monitor is not recommended as it may be interpreted as an attempt to destroy the device. The SCRAM bracelet is designed to be water-resistant, allowing users to shower without removing it. However, the product company recommends that users avoid submerging the device underwater to prevent potential damage.

If you plan to swim with a SCRAM ankle monitor, follow these steps to reduce the risk of damaging the device:

• Consult with your monitoring supervisor or legal counsel: Before considering swimming, discuss this activity with your monitoring supervisor or legal representative. They can provide specific guidance and advise you on any potential risks or consequences.
• Avoid submerging the device: While swimming, try to keep the SCRAM ankle monitor above water as much as possible. Avoid diving or submerging the device underwater for extended periods.
• Dry the device thoroughly after swimming: After swimming, gently dry the SCRAM ankle monitor and the surrounding area with a soft cloth or towel. Ensure that the device is completely dry before continuing with your daily activities.
• Monitor for any signs of damage: Keep a close eye on the SCRAM ankle monitor after swimming. If you notice any signs of water damage, such as moisture inside the device or corrosion, immediately report it to your monitoring supervisor.
• Be mindful of the environment: Avoid swimming in environments with high levels of chlorine, salt water, or other chemicals that may damage the device. Opt for swimming in freshwater pools or natural bodies of water whenever possible.

Remember, tampering with or attempting to destroy the SCRAM ankle monitor is a serious offence and can lead to legal consequences. Always follow the instructions provided by the monitoring authorities and seek clarification if you are unsure about any activities that may impact the device.

The cost of a SCRAM ankle monitor

The SCRAM ankle monitor is an alcohol detector in the form of an ankle bracelet. The acronym SCRAM stands for "Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor". These devices are also known as Continuous Alcohol Monitoring bracelets (CAM).

It is important to note that the costs of the SCRAM ankle monitor are usually the responsibility of the defendant, as it is part of the penalty for a DUI conviction. However, if financial pressure is an issue, individuals can talk to their monitoring supervisor or submit a motion to the court for consultation. In some cases, people have been able to receive support to reduce partial or full costs.

How long you have to wear a SCRAM ankle monitor

The length of time that someone has to wear a SCRAM ankle monitor depends on the nature of their conviction and the severity of their alcohol problem. It could be anywhere from less than a month to longer than a year.

In the case of DUI offenders, a judge will typically order mandatory sobriety as part of their probation, and this will come with a sanctioned period. The more compliant the offender is, the less time they will have to wear it.

The SCRAM ankle monitor is usually ordered as a penalty for DUI arrests, particularly for second- and third-time offenders. It can also be used as a pretrial condition of probation that determines someone's release from jail.

What happens if you remove your SCRAM ankle monitor

If you remove your SCRAM ankle monitor, the regional monitoring centre for SCRAM Systems will be alerted immediately. This is because the device has anti-tamper technology that identifies circumvention attempts. Removing the device is considered a probation violation and can result in harsher sentencing or longer probation.

The SCRAM ankle monitor is designed to be difficult to remove. It has a robust tamper clip that ensures the bracelet is secured to the wearer's ankle. However, it is not impossible to remove the device. All you need is a pair of scissors. The SCRAM bracelet even comes with a labelled line that tells you where to cut in case of emergency.

If you do cut through your bracelet, you will 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. Cutting the bracelet may also break a circuit, sending an alert to the authorities.

If you are found to have removed your SCRAM ankle monitor, you will face consequences. This is because removing the device is a violation of the terms of the monitoring program.

How to hide a SCRAM ankle monitor

The SCRAM ankle monitor is a device that monitors a person's alcohol consumption by sampling their sweat every 30 minutes. It is worn on the ankle and can be a source of embarrassment for the wearer. If you are looking to hide a SCRAM ankle monitor, there are a few approaches you can take:

The Top-Down Approach: This involves wearing long pants that cover the monitor. Flared or bootcut jeans are a good option as they are slightly tapered near the thigh and widen towards the ankle, providing extra space to hide the monitor. For men, straight-leg dress pants, cargo pants, or sweatpants should also do the trick. Just make sure to avoid slim-cut jeans.

The Bottom-Up Approach: This involves wearing socks or boots over the monitor. While socks can visually cover the device, the bulky shape underneath may still be noticeable. Boots, on the other hand, can provide a more stylish and effective cover-up for women.

The Cover-Over Approach: This involves attaching or wrapping a layer over the monitor. You can use medical tools or workout gear meant for ankles, such as a cast or a bandage, which people will assume is for an injury.

Ankle Monitor Covers: You can also use a cover designed to look like a regular ankle brace. This will not completely disguise the monitor but will offer added comfort by preventing movement and chafing.

While these methods can help minimise the visual impact of the monitor, keep in mind that completely hiding it may be challenging due to its size and the fact that ankles are often exposed. Additionally, always consult with your monitoring supervisor before attempting to cover or hide your monitor, as there may be specific guidelines or restrictions in place.

Frequently asked questions