Ankle Monitors: Surveillance And Freedom In Question

Ankle monitors are tracking devices used by the criminal justice system to monitor individuals who are serving sentences in the community, on probation or parole, or awaiting trial. They are typically worn by low-risk offenders who are not considered a danger to the community, and by those with substance abuse issues. Ankle monitors can track an individual's movements and location using GPS technology, and some can also monitor alcohol consumption through perspiration. They are often used as an alternative to traditional imprisonment, allowing individuals to maintain their jobs and support their families while serving their sentences.

Ankle monitors as an alternative to prison

Ankle monitors are a viable alternative to prison, allowing individuals to serve their sentences while remaining in the community. They are typically used for individuals on probation or parole, or those awaiting trial. They are also an option for low-risk convicted criminals who are not considered a danger to the community.

Ankle monitors are a more cost-effective method of punishment, allowing individuals to maintain their jobs and support their families. This can aid in the rehabilitation process, making it easier for the offender to reintegrate into society once their sentence is complete.

In some cases, ankle monitors can be used to address substance abuse issues. A Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) bracelet can detect alcohol in a person's sweat, alerting authorities if the wearer violates the terms of their release by drinking. This type of monitoring can be an effective alternative sentence for those convicted of DUI, allowing them to work through treatment programs from home.

However, ankle monitors are not without their drawbacks. They can be uncomfortable and cause skin irritation. Additionally, those wearing ankle monitors must adhere to strict rules and regulations, and any violation can result in further penalties or imprisonment.

The decision to use an ankle monitor should be made with discretion, taking into account the offender's risk of recidivism and the nature of the crime. While ankle monitors offer a viable alternative to traditional imprisonment, they should be used as a complement to it, rather than a replacement.

Who ankle monitors are for

Ankle monitors are typically used for individuals who are on probation or parole, or those who are awaiting trial. They are also used for people convicted of a crime but deemed low-risk and not a danger to the community. Ankle monitors are often employed as an alternative to traditional imprisonment, allowing individuals to serve their sentences while remaining in the community and maintaining their jobs, education, and family lives.

In the state of Indiana, ankle monitors are a common condition of probation, which is itself a common alternative to incarceration. Offenders are offered probation when their crimes are not considered severe enough to warrant jail time, and they would benefit more from court supervision and specific conditions. Probation conditions are tailored to each case, reflecting the nature of the offence, the individual, and the needs of the community.

Ankle monitors are also used for people awaiting trial, serving as an alternative to pre-trial detention. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, ankle monitors were increasingly used as jurisdictions sought alternatives to incarceration to slow the spread of the disease.

Ankle monitors are also used for people convicted of more serious crimes, such as sex offences, violent crimes, and domestic violence. In these cases, ankle monitors provide an alternative to incarceration, allowing officers to supervise clients while enhancing community safety.

Advantages of ankle monitors

Ankle monitors are a form of surveillance that uses an electronic device affixed to an individual's ankle. They are often used as an alternative to traditional imprisonment, allowing individuals to serve their sentences while remaining in the community. Here are some advantages of using ankle monitors:

Cost-Effectiveness

Ankle monitors are less expensive than incarceration in jail or prison. A 2012 study by the District of Columbia Crime Policy Institute found that EM reduced per-participant costs to local agencies by $580 and saved federal agencies $920. The reduced costs are due to the lower overhead of monitoring compared to the cost of housing and caring for incarcerated individuals.

Reduced Recidivism

Ankle monitors have been shown to reduce the chances of individuals returning to jail. A 2020 study in the Journal of Criminal Justice found that electronic monitoring produced positive effects for certain offenders, such as sex offenders, and at certain points in the criminal justice process, such as post-trial instead of prison. Additionally, a 2006 evaluation of 75,661 Florida offenders on home detention found that those who wore electronic tags were 94.7% less likely to commit new offenses than unmonitored offenders.

Community Integration

Ankle monitors allow individuals to maintain their jobs, attend school, and care for their families while serving their sentences. This can make it easier for them to reintegrate into society once their sentences are completed.

Accountability and Compliance

Ankle monitors promote accountability and compliance among individuals under supervision. They provide a constant reminder of the terms of their sentence and the consequences of violating them. This can help deter repeat offenses and encourage individuals to comply with the conditions of their release.

Substance Abuse Monitoring

In addition to location tracking, ankle monitors can also be used to monitor an individual's sobriety. Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitors (SCRAM) can detect alcohol in a person's sweat and alert authorities if they violate the terms of their release by consuming alcohol. This feature is especially useful for individuals with substance abuse issues, as it allows them to receive treatment and monitoring without the negative impact of incarceration.

Disadvantages of ankle monitors

Ankle monitors are used to track individuals under the supervision of the criminal justice system. They are typically used for people on probation or parole, or those awaiting trial. They are also used for people convicted of a crime but who are considered low-risk and not a danger to the community.

While ankle monitors are seen as a way to reduce prison populations and allow people to maintain their jobs and support their families, they have several disadvantages.

Firstly, ankle monitors can be uncomfortable to wear and cause skin irritation. They are also restrictive and limit the wearer's movement, which can lead to inadvertent infractions and further penalties, including imprisonment. The wearer must follow strict rules and regulations, and any violation can result in additional consequences.

In some cases, individuals are required to pay for their ankle monitors, which can be costly and create a financial burden. This can lead to situations where people are unable to pay their bills or are forced into homelessness, as their income is spent on the device.

Additionally, ankle monitors introduce new ways for the wearer to be sent back to prison. For example, if the device's battery dies or there is a power outage, the individual may be considered non-compliant. This can disproportionately affect people from impoverished or marginalised communities.

The use of ankle monitors has also been criticised as a form of "digital shackles" or "e-carceration", as it restricts the wearer's liberties and can be seen as a form of incarceration or imprisonment.

Furthermore, there is a lack of rigorous research to suggest that ankle monitors effectively prevent people from absconding, reoffending, or posing a danger to the public. In some cases, they have failed to provide accurate alerts or have been cut off by offenders, leading to tragic consequences.

Therefore, while ankle monitors offer an alternative to traditional imprisonment, they come with several disadvantages and should be used with discretion, considering the offender's risk of reoffending and the nature of the crime.

Types of ankle monitors

There are three main types of ankle monitors: Radio Frequency (RF), Global Positioning System (GPS), and Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM).

Radio Frequency (RF) ankle monitors are used to enforce curfews and are typically set up to monitor individuals within a 50 to 150-foot range of their homes. When the wearer is within range, the home unit sends signals to a monitoring centre. RF technology is currently the most effective monitoring technology to verify the presence of an individual under supervision within their residence during specified hours.

Global Positioning System (GPS) ankle monitors divulge specific geographical coordinates of the wearer. They are precise and can transmit location data continuously or at regular intervals. These monitors are useful for allowing individuals to travel according to prearranged schedules and for restricting some offenders from going too near certain locations or people.

Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) ankle monitors are primarily used to monitor alcohol consumption. They periodically test the wearer's sweat for alcohol content. SCRAM units are most often used for repeat driving under the influence (DUI) cases. SCRAM monitors are also fitted with a GPS tracker that keeps track of the wearer's whereabouts.

Frequently asked questions