Ankle Monitor Offenses: Understanding Criminal Triggers

Ankle monitors are used to track individuals under the supervision of the criminal justice system. They are often used as an alternative to imprisonment, allowing individuals to remain in the community and maintain their jobs and family lives. Courts may issue ankle monitors as a condition of bail, house arrest, probation, or parole. They are typically used for individuals who are awaiting trial, on probation or parole, or have been convicted of a crime but are considered low-risk. The use of ankle monitors varies based on jurisdiction, the severity of the crime, and the individual's criminal history. Some common situations where ankle monitors are used include serious crimes such as murder, sexual assault, or major drug offences, as well as for repeat offenders, domestic violence cases, DUI or DWI offences, and immigration cases.

Serious crimes: murder, sexual assault, major drug offences

Ankle monitors are often used as a condition of bail or parole for serious crimes such as murder, sexual assault, and major drug offences. They are typically used to ensure that the defendant does not get into further trouble and to provide an extra layer of supervision.

For instance, in the case of murder, an ankle monitor can be used to ensure that the defendant does not attempt to flee the country or come into contact with potential witnesses. In the case of sexual assault, an ankle monitor can be used to enforce protection orders and maintain a required distance between the offender and the victim.

In the case of major drug offences, an ankle monitor can be used to track the offender's movements and ensure that they are not engaging in drug-related activities. This can include monitoring their attendance at a court-ordered treatment program and ensuring that they are not frequenting known drug hotspots.

The use of ankle monitors in these serious crimes can provide a sense of assurance to the public and help to enforce the conditions of bail or parole. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of ankle monitors in preventing re-offending or absconding is still a subject of debate, and there have been instances where offenders have cut off their ankle monitors before committing further crimes.

Repeat offenders

Ankle monitors are often used as an alternative to incarceration, 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. Ankle monitors are also used for individuals convicted of a crime but deemed low-risk and not a danger to the community.

The devices track an individual's movements and location using GPS technology. They are usually about the size of a pager and are strapped to the ankle with a tamper-proof band. The most common type of monitoring is radio frequency (RF), which uses GPS to determine the wearer's whereabouts. If the person goes outside a designated area, the monitor vibrates and emits a loud tone, notifying them that they are about to violate the conditions of their release. If they do not return to the designated area, the device sends an alert to the authorities.

In addition to location tracking, some ankle monitors can also detect alcohol levels by testing the wearer's sweat. These are often used for individuals with multiple DUI or DWI convictions to ensure they comply with court orders not to drink.

While ankle monitors can offer an alternative to prison, allowing individuals to maintain their jobs and support their families, they also come with disadvantages. They can be uncomfortable to wear, causing skin irritation, and those wearing them are subject to strict rules and regulations. Any violation of these rules can result in additional penalties or even imprisonment.

The decision to use an ankle monitor should be made with discretion, considering the offender's risk of reoffending and the nature of the crime.

Domestic violence

Ankle monitors are often used as an alternative to imprisonment, allowing individuals to serve their sentences while remaining in the community and maintaining their jobs, education, and families. Courts may issue ankle monitors as a condition of bail, parole, or probation. They are also used to ensure that the wearer maintains a required distance from a person, such as a victim of domestic violence.

In cases of domestic violence, ankle monitors are used to enforce protection orders and ensure the offender maintains a safe distance from the victim. This helps to provide peace of mind and a sense of security for the victim, allowing them to feel safer in their own home and community. The offender's movements are tracked using GPS technology, and alerts are sent to a monitoring centre if they go beyond a specified area or violate any other conditions set by the court. This technology can also be used to notify authorities if the offender attempts to remove the ankle monitor or if it stops working properly.

The use of ankle monitors in domestic violence cases can be a crucial tool for protecting victims and preventing further abuse. It allows law enforcement to monitor the offender's compliance with court orders and quickly respond to any violations, providing a sense of accountability and deterrence. Additionally, ankle monitors can be used as a condition of bail or probation, ensuring that the offender is held accountable while awaiting trial or during their probationary period.

While ankle monitors can provide a sense of security for victims of domestic violence, it is important to recognise that they are not a perfect solution. There may be concerns about the accuracy of the technology, the potential for offenders to find ways to circumvent the monitoring, and the possibility of retaliation by the offender if they feel their movements are being restricted. As such, ankle monitors should be used in conjunction with other measures to protect victims, such as counselling, support services, and legal protections.

DUI or DWI

DUI, or Driving Under Influence, and DWI, or Driving While Intoxicated, are common offences that can result in the court ordering the use of an ankle monitor. Ankle monitors are often used as an alternative to jail time, allowing individuals to continue working, studying, and caring for their families while serving their sentences.

For DUI or DWI offenders, the court may require the use of an ankle monitor to ensure they refrain from consuming alcohol. These monitors can detect alcohol levels through the wearer's sweat and immediately alert the relevant authorities, including their probation officer, if alcohol is consumed. This helps enforce court orders to abstain from alcohol and can be used in addition to other measures such as ignition interlock devices.

The ankle monitor for DUI or DWI offenders is known as a SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) device. It is worn around the clock and continuously monitors the wearer's perspiration for traces of alcohol. The device is sensitive enough to detect even small amounts of alcohol that are not detectable by the human nose.

The SCRAM device is typically affixed to the lower leg, above the ankle, and consists of two small boxes on either side. While it may be noticeable, wearing pants can help to cover and disguise the bracelet.

The installation of a SCRAM device usually incurs a fee, ranging from $50 to $100. Additionally, there is a daily monitoring cost, typically between $10 and $15, resulting in monthly costs of up to $450. These fees are generally the responsibility of the defendant, as they are part of the penalty for the DUI or DWI conviction.

Violating the terms of the ankle monitor, such as consuming alcohol or attempting to remove the device, can lead to further penalties, including additional jail time, increased fines, and extended probation. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to adhere to the conditions set by the court to avoid further legal consequences.

Immigration cases

In the US, immigrants awaiting court dates for immigration proceedings may be required to wear ankle monitors. This is often referred to as "community control" and is supervised and monitored by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) is an alternative to detention that uses electronic ankle monitors and phone apps to track people who would otherwise be incarcerated.

The use of ankle monitors in immigration cases is controversial. Immigrant advocates and legal experts argue that the devices are inappropriate and inhumane for people seeking asylum. There are also concerns about the impact on the mental and physical health of those forced to wear them. A report by the Benjamin N Cardozo School of Law, Freedom for Immigrants, and Immigrant Defense Project revealed that 12% of immigrants interviewed considered suicide as a result of being monitored, and 88% spoke of mental health issues, trouble sleeping, migraines, and depression. There have also been reports of physical side effects, including aches, cramps, and electric shocks.

Despite the controversy, the use of ankle monitors in immigration cases appears to be increasing. The number of people being monitored electronically by ICE's Chicago field office, which covers Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Kentucky, and Kansas, grew from 2,921 in 2019 to 19,160 in October 2024. This increase may be due in part to the passage of Illinois Way Forward, which banned local authorities from detaining people facing deportation.

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