The use of GPS ankle monitors to track offenders has been a controversial topic, with some arguing that it infringes on humanistic values without significantly reducing crime. While the technology has improved over the years, there are still ways to trick a GPS ankle monitor. One method involves creating a DIY Faraday cage to block electromagnetic signals and prevent a warning alert from being sent. Another approach is to use a software-defined radio and an open-source app to spoof the device's location by creating a fake phone network. Additionally, some individuals have shared their experiences on online forums, suggesting various techniques such as lubricating the foot and ankle or using heat to expand the strap. However, it is important to note that tampering with an ankle monitor can have legal consequences.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Ease of removal | Varies depending on the model of the ankle monitor |
Effectiveness | Monitors can malfunction, including mapping discrepancies, dropped signals, battery failures, and water damage |
Cost | Set-up fee of $100, daily charge of $5 to $20 |
Privacy concerns | Ankle monitors infringe on humanistic values |
Effect on rehabilitation | Surveillance technology has not shown a significant long-term reduction in crime |
Alternative methods | Smartphones can be used to monitor location |
Tamper with the circuit
Tampering with the circuit of a GPS ankle monitor is a tricky process, but here are some methods that might work:
- One method is to use a single wire to keep the circuit complete while removing the monitor. This way, the circuit remains intact, and the alarm is not triggered. However, this method requires precision and knowledge of the device's circuitry.
- Another approach is to target the strap of the monitor. The strap often has holes that trigger a tamper alert if light passes through them. By blocking these holes or covering them with tape, you can prevent the light from passing through and avoid triggering the alarm.
- Additionally, some monitors use fibre optic wires embedded in the strap. By carefully removing the strap without cutting or damaging these wires, you can maintain the integrity of the circuit and potentially reattach the strap later.
- In some cases, the monitor may have small plastic hooks or pins that can be broken or separated with a custom tool. This method requires creating a tool that can spread the strap apart until it breaks free from one end. However, this technique may damage the device and should be done quickly to minimise the chance of being caught.
- Finally, some people have suggested using heat to expand the strap and lubricating the foot and ankle to slide the monitor off. While this may work, it is crucial to avoid using an open flame, as it may damage the device or harm your foot.
Remember that tampering with a GPS ankle monitor is illegal and may result in serious consequences. It is essential to understand the risks and potential penalties before attempting any of these methods.
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Use a Faraday cage
A Faraday cage is an enclosure made of conductive material that blocks electromagnetic fields. They are often used to protect sensitive electronic equipment from external radio frequency interference (RFI).
Faraday cages work because an external electrical field causes the electric charges within the cage's conducting material to distribute in a way that cancels out the field's effect inside the cage.
Faraday cages are routinely used in digital forensics to prevent remote wiping and alteration of criminal digital evidence. They are also used to protect people and equipment against electric currents such as lightning strikes and electrostatic discharges.
To use a Faraday cage to trick a GPS ankle monitor, you would need to place the monitor inside the cage, which would block the monitor's ability to receive or transmit radio waves. However, it is important to note that this may not be a foolproof method, as some GPS devices can detect a loss of signal and alert the monitoring company. Additionally, removing the monitor without triggering an alarm may require specialized tools or techniques, and interfering with court-ordered monitoring could result in legal consequences.
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Soap your foot
Soaping your foot is a method that has been suggested to remove a GPS ankle bracelet without triggering an alarm. The idea is that you lubricate your foot with soap, in the same way that you would remove a ring from your finger. However, one source states that if the monitor has been properly installed, it will be impossible to slip your foot out. They explain that the ankle bracelet has a fiber optic cable inside the strap that connects to the box on both sides. If the strap is stretched, the cable will not stretch with it, triggering a tamper alert.
Another source suggests that if the GPS ankle bracelet is loose, you can slide a plastic bag under the bracelet, then wrap the bag around the bracelet, and finally slide the bag off with the bracelet inside it.
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Use a plastic bag
One method to trick a GPS ankle monitor is to use a plastic bag. Slide a plastic bag underneath the bracelet. Then, wrap the bag around the bracelet and slide the bag off with the bracelet inside it. Another method is to put a plastic bag in between your foot and the anklet, then put lube in between and pull it off. However, this method may not work if you have a fat foot.
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Cut it off
While it is not impossible to cut off a GPS ankle monitor, it is certainly challenging. A wanted individual successfully escaped custody in Phoenix by cutting off their tracking device and fleeing to North Dakota. In this instance, the individual used kitchen shears to cut through the thin rubber cuff of the monitor. Other people have tried to use bolt cutters and blowtorches on the GPS Monitoring Solutions' "bad boy cuff" without success.
It is important to note that most ankle monitors will notify law enforcement if someone tampers with them, so removing the device may have severe consequences. Additionally, law enforcement agencies will likely be alerted once the monitor is cut off, so the difficult part will be evading capture after the device has been removed.
To increase your chances of success, you should carefully plan your actions after removing the monitor. This may include changing your physical appearance, using a different mode of transportation, or seeking temporary shelter in a discreet location. Keep in mind that law enforcement may use other methods, such as surveillance cameras or informants, to locate and track you.
It is also crucial to consider the potential legal repercussions of cutting off a GPS ankle monitor. Depending on your jurisdiction and the conditions of your monitoring, you may face additional criminal charges, extended probation or supervision, or other legal consequences.
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Frequently asked questions
You can't. If you finish your sentence, the court will remove it.
Covering the anklet with aluminium foil prevents GPS signals from reaching the monitor. However, most systems use built-in metal detectors to thwart such attempts.
You can use a single wire to keep the circuit complete and remove the bracelet.
You can use lotion or soap to slide the bracelet off your foot.
You can use a plastic bag and lotion to slip the bracelet off your foot.