Ankle Monitors: Which Ankle Does The Law Restrict?

what ankle does an ankle monitor go on

Ankle monitors are often used as an alternative to incarceration, allowing individuals to remain free while awaiting trial or serving probation. These devices are typically strapped to the lower leg or ankle and are used to track the movements of individuals with restricted travel or activities. While the specific rules and conditions may vary depending on the situation, some common requirements include adhering to a curfew, abstaining from alcohol, and staying within a designated area. Ankle monitors can also detect alcohol consumption by testing the wearer's sweat, which is then reported to the relevant authorities. In addition to providing an alternative to incarceration, ankle monitors have been shown to effectively deter people from reoffending and reduce the risk of bail bond forfeiture. However, there are also concerns about the effectiveness of ankle monitors in meeting their stated goals, as well as the impact on the wearers' mental health and the financial burden they may pose.

Characteristics Values
Location of ankle monitor On the ankle, lower leg
Who wears it People awaiting trial, serving probation and parole, facing immigration proceedings, or those on house arrest
Purpose To track the movements of individuals who have been sentenced to restricted travel or activities
Type of tracking Radio frequency technology, Global Positioning System (GPS)
Appearance Clunky, a little larger than a deck of cards
Weight Heavy
Comfort Uncomfortable, tight strap digs into the leg
Waterproof Yes

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Ankle monitors are used as a condition of bail or probation

Ankle monitors are often used as a condition of bail or probation. They are typically worn by individuals awaiting trial or those considered a danger to the community or a flight risk. By wearing an ankle monitor, the wearer is agreeing to certain conditions set by the court, such as sticking to a specific area, avoiding certain people, or adhering to a curfew. This allows them to remain free while awaiting trial or as an alternative to a jail sentence.

Ankle monitors are usually used for non-violent crimes, and they help ensure that the wearer doesn't get into more trouble. For example, someone convicted of multiple DUI offences might have to wear an ankle monitor that can detect alcohol levels, ensuring they comply with court orders not to drink. In some cases, ankle monitors can be used in place of jail time for individuals with substance abuse issues.

The use of ankle monitors varies based on jurisdiction, the severity of the crime, and the individual's criminal history. They are commonly used for serious crimes like murder, sexual assault, or major drug offences, as well as for repeat offenders or those who have violated bail or parole terms in the past. In cases of domestic violence, ankle monitors can be used to ensure the offender maintains a safe distance from the victim.

Ankle monitors are also used in immigration cases for individuals awaiting court dates. They provide a way to track an individual's movement and location, and they can be combined with GPS technology for long-range monitoring.

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They can be used to monitor sobriety

Ankle monitors are worn around the lower leg, and they can be used to monitor sobriety. A Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) bracelet can detect alcohol in a person's sweat, alerting authorities if the person violates the terms of their release by drinking. This type of bracelet is often used for DUI offenders, who are usually ordered by a court to avoid alcohol consumption as a penalty for their DUI arrest.

The SCRAM bracelet tests the wearer's perspiration every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day, to detect the presence of alcohol. This skin-level measurement is known as "transdermal" alcohol concentration. It will conduct tests when the wearer is sleeping, at work, out with friends, or not profusely sweating. The bracelet is waterproof and fairly lightweight, but it is not permitted through airport security.

SCRAM bracelets have been shown to increase compliance with court orders and improve community safety. They provide 24/7 accountability and encourage behaviour change, supporting long-term sobriety. In Washington State, a 2013 report found that when offenders were on SCRAM, they were sober and completed the program 77% of the time. On any given day, 99.3% of them were sober.

In addition to monitoring sobriety, ankle monitors can also be used to track an individual's movements and location. They are often used as an alternative to jail time or pre-trial detention, especially for low-risk, nonviolent offenders. By agreeing to wear an ankle monitor, individuals can avoid higher bail amounts and reduce their chances of re-offending.

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They are sometimes used in immigration cases

Ankle monitors are sometimes used in immigration cases. They are used as a way to track the movements of individuals who are seeking asylum in a new country. This is often done as an alternative to detaining them in costly facilities, or releasing them with court dates years in the future and no consistent way of tracking them.

In the United States, the Biden administration has implemented a program that uses ankle monitors, curfews, and expedited asylum screenings to quickly process and deport migrant families who have arrived in the country in record-breaking numbers. The program aims to prevent these families from skipping out on their asylum hearings and disappearing into American society. As of May 2024, the program has tracked more than 19,000 people, with over 1,500 deported and around 1,000 absconding by removing their ankle monitors.

In Australia, the government has also implemented the use of ankle monitors for former immigration detainees released by the High Court. The Albanese government passed laws requiring these individuals to wear ankle bracelets and obey curfews, with minimum penalties of a year in prison for breaching these conditions. However, the practice has been controversial, with some arguing that it is punitive and breaches the separation of powers.

In the UK, the Home Office announced a pilot program in June 2022 to track migrants who arrived by boat using GPS devices. This was done to "maintain regular contact" and more "effectively process their claims."

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They can be used as an alternative to a jail sentence

Ankle monitors are often used as an alternative to jail sentences, allowing individuals to serve their sentences while remaining in the community. They are typically used for people on probation or parole, or those awaiting trial. They can also be used for people convicted of a crime but deemed low-risk and not considered a danger to the community.

Ankle monitors are also used as a condition for bail or parole, especially for more serious offences like murder, sexual assault, or major drug offences. They can help ensure that a person isn't violating the terms of their sentence with regards to sobriety. For example, a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) bracelet can detect alcohol in a person's sweat and alert authorities if they drink.

Ankle monitors can be beneficial as they are less expensive than incarceration and allow individuals to maintain their jobs and support their families. They can also make it easier for individuals to reintegrate into society after completing their sentences. However, ankle monitors can be uncomfortable and cause skin irritation. Individuals with ankle monitors are subject to strict rules and regulations, and any violation can result in additional penalties or imprisonment.

In some cases, private companies charge individuals for the cost of the ankle monitor and surveillance, which can be a financial burden, especially for those who cannot afford it. There have been concerns raised about the effectiveness of ankle monitors in actually reducing crime and recidivism, as well as the potential invasion of privacy and violation of civil rights that these devices may entail.

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They can be used to reduce bail costs

Ankle monitors are often used as an alternative to pre-trial detention or as a condition of probation. They can be used to reduce bail costs in a few ways. Firstly, by agreeing to wear an ankle monitor, the court is given the assurance that the defendant will stick to the set boundaries and not run away. This could increase the chance of getting a lower bail price or even no bail at all.

Secondly, ankle monitors can be used as an alternative to a jail sentence, which can help reduce bail costs. For example, if someone is a DUI defendant, they may be able to avoid jail time and any associated costs by wearing an ankle monitor instead. The monitor can also track alcohol consumption and ensure the defendant is complying with court orders not to drink.

Additionally, ankle monitors can be used to reduce the cost of bail bond services. These services can help offset part of the bail amount, but they usually charge a fee, which can be significant. By agreeing to wear an ankle monitor, a defendant may be able to negotiate a lower bail amount, resulting in a lower fee for the bail bond service.

Finally, ankle monitors can help prevent the need for a long jail stay, especially in cases where the defendant is considered a flight risk. A lawyer may recommend bail with the condition of wearing an ankle monitor, which can reassure the judge that the defendant does not pose a flight risk. This could help the defendant avoid the costs associated with a lengthy jail stay, such as loss of income and wages.

Overall, ankle monitors can be a useful tool to reduce bail costs and provide an alternative to pre-trial detention, offering defendants a more affordable option to secure their release.

Frequently asked questions

An ankle monitor is a device worn around the lower leg to track the movements of individuals who have been sentenced to restricted travel or activities.

Ankle monitors use GPS tracking systems to record the location of their wearers. This includes people awaiting trial, serving probation and parole, and facing immigration proceedings.

Ankle monitors are used as an alternative to jail time. They are also used to ensure that a person isn't violating the terms of their sentence with regards to sobriety.

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