Ankle Monitors: Which Foot Gets Monitored?

Ankle monitors are typically placed on one of the offender's ankles, with the other foot remaining free. The monitor is strapped to the ankle with a tamper-proof band and is about the size of a pager or a deck of cards. It is usually installed by a private company, which then charges daily GPS fees for its use. The monitor is designed to track the wearer's movement and location, often using GPS technology, and can also be used to detect alcohol consumption through sweat analysis. While the monitor is meant to be snug, it should not be too tight, and lotion can be applied to the skin to prevent dryness and irritation. Overall, the use of ankle monitors as an alternative to incarceration has been controversial, with critics arguing that it expands mass incarceration and exacerbates systemic inequities.

Ankle monitor removal

Ankle monitors are typically used as an alternative to incarceration, allowing people to remain in their communities and avoid serving time in jail. They are often used for people awaiting trial, serving probation or parole, or facing immigration proceedings. While they offer an alternative to prison, ankle monitors have been the subject of growing skepticism, particularly as their use has widened.

Ankle monitors are typically placed on the ankle, as the bulkiness of the foot below makes it difficult to slip off. The ankle monitor is secured with a strap that must be properly tightened to prevent slippage. Attempting to remove the monitor by force will likely trigger a tamper alert, as the fibre optic cable within the strap will detect any interruption in the connection.

To remove the ankle monitor without triggering an alert, one would need to cut the fibre optic cable inside the strap. This can be done by sawing through the strap or using a mirror to interrupt the signal and trick the device into thinking the connection is still intact. However, it is important to note that tampering with a court-ordered electronic monitoring device is a crime in many states and can result in additional jail time.

Ankle monitors have been criticised for their impact on the wearers' lives, limiting their movements and causing social isolation, stress, and financial burden. The fees associated with wearing an ankle monitor can range from $2 to $20 per day, with additional setup charges, creating a significant expense for individuals and their families.

Furthermore, ankle monitors have been shown to have questionable effectiveness in meeting their stated goals of ensuring court appearances, protecting public safety, and advancing rehabilitation. Instead, they have been linked to expanding mass incarceration, with people being sent back to jail for minor technical violations, charging malfunctions, and false alarms.

Ankle monitor cost

The cost of an ankle monitor varies depending on location, type of device, and whether the wearer is serving a sentence or on bond. In the US, the government may charge a daily usage fee of $5 to $20 per day, plus a one-time setup fee of $100 to $200. The device itself can cost the government between $800 and $1,500. In some states, the wearer must pay these fees themselves, which can amount to thousands of dollars per year.

For example, in Riverside County, California, wearers must pay $7 per day for a regular unit and $12 per day for a cellular unit. In South Carolina, a man paid a $179.50 setup fee, plus a $9.25 daily fee. In Wisconsin, offenders must pay a daily monitor fee of $7 if they are on bond or $12 if they are serving a sentence.

Alcohol-monitoring ankle bracelets, or SCRAM bracelets, also incur a one-time installation fee of $50 to $100 and a daily monitoring fee of around $10 to $15, amounting to monthly costs of $450 or more.

Ankle monitors used for personal use can cost anywhere from $150 to $250, depending on the brand and retailer.

Ankle monitor malfunction

Ankle monitors are typically worn on either ankle and use GPS technology to track the wearer's location. They are often used as an alternative to incarceration, allowing individuals to remain in their community while being monitored. While ankle monitors can provide law enforcement with valuable information, there are also several ways in which these devices can malfunction, leading to false alerts and incorrect location data.

One common issue with ankle monitors is battery-related problems. Ankle monitors typically need to be charged regularly, and a low battery can trigger a red blinking light, indicating the need for a recharge. Failure to charge the device properly can result in alerts being sent to law enforcement, as the monitor may sense a violation. Additionally, charging issues can occur due to user error or technical glitches, leading to potential false alerts.

Another potential malfunction is related to the GPS tracking system. In some cases, the GPS may provide incorrect location data, indicating that the wearer is in a restricted area when they are not. This can result in law enforcement being dispatched to the wearer's location unnecessarily. Additionally, technical glitches or software issues can also cause false alerts, leading to unnecessary interventions.

In some instances, ankle monitors may experience hardware malfunctions. For example, the strap may become loose or damaged, requiring replacement. If the fiber optic cable within the strap is interrupted, it will trigger a tamper alert, even if the wearer has not attempted to remove the device. Additionally, the device may suffer water damage if exposed to excessive moisture, leading to potential malfunctions.

Furthermore, ankle monitors can be susceptible to electrical problems, such as power outages or humidity, which can affect their performance. In some cases, static electricity or circuit shorts can cause the device to malfunction and report inaccurate data. These issues may require technical support to identify and resolve the problem.

It is important to note that malfunctions and false alerts can have significant consequences for the wearer. Violations related to alcohol consumption, location restrictions, or technical glitches can result in legal proceedings and potential penalties. Therefore, it is crucial for both law enforcement and wearers to be aware of the potential for malfunctions and to address any issues promptly to avoid unnecessary complications.

Ankle monitor as an alternative to incarceration

Ankle monitors are often used as an alternative to incarceration for individuals who are on probation, parole, or awaiting trial. They are also used for individuals convicted of a crime but deemed low-risk and not considered a danger to the community.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ankle monitors were increasingly used as jails released incarcerated people due to the virus spreading in prisons.

Advantages of Ankle Monitors

Ankle monitors offer several benefits over traditional imprisonment. They are less expensive than incarceration, allowing individuals to maintain their jobs and support their families. This can facilitate their reintegration into society after serving their sentences.

Disadvantages of Ankle Monitors

However, ankle monitors also present several drawbacks. They can be uncomfortable, cause skin irritation, and lead to social stigma. Individuals with ankle monitors must adhere to strict rules and regulations, and any violation can result in additional penalties or incarceration.

Effectiveness of Ankle Monitors

The effectiveness of ankle monitors as an alternative to incarceration is questionable. While they are intended to reduce recidivism, studies suggest that they may not meet their stated goals of ensuring court appearances, protecting public safety, and promoting rehabilitation.

Ankle monitors have been criticised for expanding mass incarceration, leading to "e-carceration," where individuals are sent back to jail for minor technical violations, charging malfunctions, and false alarms. They have also been associated with exacerbating systemic inequities related to race, class, and disability.

Furthermore, the cost of ankle monitors can be a significant financial burden, with fees ranging from $2 to $20 per day, excluding setup charges. This can disproportionately impact individuals and families already facing economic challenges due to incarceration.

While ankle monitors offer an alternative to traditional imprisonment, they should be used with discretion, considering the offender's risk of recidivism and the nature of the crime. They may be suitable for low-risk offenders, but they cannot address systemic issues such as violence, unemployment, poverty, and structural racism.

Ankle monitor as a condition of probation

Ankle monitors are often used as a condition of probation, with the aim of keeping track of an individual's location and movements. They are typically used as an alternative to incarceration, allowing people to remain in their community instead of serving time in jail. This was especially prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when prisons became hotspots for coronavirus outbreaks.

Ankle monitors are usually placed on the ankle, with the wrist being an option only if there is a verified medical reason. The monitor is worn 24 hours a day and is non-removable, waterproof, and shock-resistant. It can be tracked using Radio Frequency (RF), Global Positioning System (GPS), or Virtual Monitoring Technology. RF technology is considered the most effective method to verify an individual's presence at a residence during specified hours. GPS technology, on the other hand, is often preferred when enhanced supervision is required, allowing authorities to monitor the individual's whereabouts when they leave their approved residence.

While ankle monitors offer an alternative to prison or jail, they have faced growing skepticism and criticism. Advocates for criminal justice reform argue that ankle monitors do not address systemic issues that contribute to high incarceration rates. Additionally, studies suggest that ankle monitors fail to meet their stated goals of ensuring court appearances, protecting public safety, and promoting rehabilitation. Instead, they contribute to the expansion of mass incarceration, leading to "e-carceration" and individuals being sent back to jail for minor technical violations, charging malfunctions, and false alarms.

The use of ankle monitors also raises concerns about systemic inequities. For example, in Detroit, Black individuals are twice as likely as white individuals to be electronically monitored. Furthermore, the cost of wearing an ankle monitor can be a significant financial burden, with fees ranging from $3 to $35 per day, in addition to initial setup charges. This can be particularly challenging for households already dealing with the financial strain of a family member's incarceration.

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