Alcohol Ankle Monitors: How Do They Work?

An alcohol ankle monitor, also known as a SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) bracelet, is a device that tests for the presence of alcohol in the wearer's perspiration every 30 minutes. It is commonly used as a court-ordered condition of probation for DUI offenders to ensure they do not consume alcohol. The bracelet is fitted to the ankle and usually worn for 30, 60, or 90 days, providing a detailed pattern of alcohol consumption that can be used in legal settings. SCRAM bracelets are designed to detect not only alcohol consumption but also any attempts to tamper with the device. If the wearer consumes alcohol or tampers with the bracelet, alerts are sent to a database, and a trained analyst investigates further to notify the relevant authorities.

How does an alcohol ankle monitor work?

An alcohol ankle monitor, also known as a SCRAM bracelet, is a device that is fitted to the ankle of an individual. It is used to monitor alcohol consumption and is often court-ordered for those who have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI). The bracelet tests for the presence of alcohol in the wearer's perspiration every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day. This is done through transdermal alcohol testing, which detects alcohol excreted through the skin. This is a non-invasive way to monitor alcohol consumption and can differentiate between ingested alcohol and environmental sources, such as perfumes or lotions that contain alcohol.

The SCRAM bracelet is equipped with advanced technology that enables continuous alcohol monitoring. It automatically transmits testing data to a base station, where the information is stored and uploaded to monitoring software. If an alert is generated, trained analysts review the data and report any violations to the supervising authority, such as a court or probation department. This automated testing eliminates the possibility of the wearer drinking around test schedules, providing an accurate and reliable way to monitor alcohol consumption.

The bracelet is designed to be worn at all times and can be worn during everyday activities such as showering or working out. It is typically worn for a set period, such as 30, 60, or 90 days, and is fitted and removed by trained professionals. The data collected by the bracelet provides detailed information about alcohol consumption patterns, which can be used in legal settings. The use of SCRAM bracelets has been shown to increase accountability and compliance with court orders, supporting long-term behaviour change and sobriety.

In addition to alcohol detection, the SCRAM bracelet also features anti-tamper technology. It is equipped with temperature and infrared sensors that can detect any attempts to obstruct or remove the device. If tampering is detected, the monitoring company is notified, and this information is reported to the court or probation department, which can result in severe consequences for the offender.

Who has to wear an alcohol ankle monitor?

Alcohol ankle monitors, also known as SCRAM bracelets, are most commonly worn by people convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. Courts may also order SCRAM bracelets in other types of cases where alcohol use is a factor, such as family court cases, domestic violence cases, underage drinking cases, and cases involving substance abuse charges.

DUI offenders, especially second-time and third-time offenders, are usually ordered by a court to avoid alcohol consumption as a penalty for their DUI arrest. Ankle monitors are often used as a pretrial condition of probation that determines someone's release from jail. They may also be ordered in addition to other measures, such as ignition interlock devices.

In criminal cases, the court orders the defendant to wear the bracelet for a set period, often 60 or 90 days. However, in some cases, the offender must wear a SCRAM monitor for a year or longer as a term of probation or parole. Offenders who are required to use SCRAM bracelets must wear them 24/7.

In addition to monitoring alcohol consumption, SCRAM devices are designed to detect any kind of tampering with the bracelet itself. If an offender attempts to remove or destroy the bracelet, the company that monitors the device will be notified and will report the tampering to the court or the probation department. Tampering with a SCRAM bracelet can lead to severe consequences for the offender, such as termination of probation, jail time, or other penalties.

How much does an alcohol ankle monitor cost?

The cost of an alcohol ankle monitor, or SCRAM bracelet, can vary depending on several factors. Typically, there is an installation fee and a daily monitoring fee.

The installation fee is usually between $50 and $100. The daily monitoring fee typically ranges from $10 to $15 per day, which equates to monthly costs of up to $300 or more. Some sources state that the monthly cost can be as high as $450 or more.

The cost of an alcohol ankle monitor can also depend on the wearer's income and financial obligations, such as the number of dependent children. For example, a 2021 article from Injustice Watch details a sliding scale offered by a local distributor, CAM Systems, in Cook County, Illinois. The rates range from $12.40 per day for people earning $0 to $20,000 per year, up to $24.40 per day for those earning over $70,000 per year. CAM Systems also deduct $1 from the daily rate for each dependent child.

In addition to the installation and monitoring fees, there may be other costs such as charges for violations, maintenance, and service calls. For example, the flat fee charged by CAM Systems includes installation, periodic maintenance, and removal, but there are extra charges for damage to the device and service calls. Each violation, including drinking alcohol or tampering with the device, may incur a fee, which, according to the Injustice Watch article, is $110.

Therefore, the overall cost of an alcohol ankle monitor can vary significantly depending on various factors and individual circumstances.

What happens if you try to remove an alcohol ankle monitor?

An alcohol ankle monitor, also known as a SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) bracelet, is a court-ordered device that individuals convicted of DUI (driving under the influence) or involved in other cases concerning drugs and alcohol are mandated to wear. These bracelets are designed to monitor the wearer's blood alcohol concentration by testing their perspiration every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day.

Now, what happens if you try to remove a SCRAM bracelet? Well, firstly, it's important to know that these devices are equipped with advanced anti-tamper technology. This means that any attempt to remove, tamper with, or destroy the bracelet will be identified and flagged.

If you attempt to take off the SCRAM bracelet, the regional monitoring center for SCRAM Systems will be alerted immediately. This is considered a probation violation and can result in severe consequences, including:

• Extended probation period
• Harsher sentencing
• Termination of probation
• Jail time
• Larger fines

It's important to note that the consequences for attempting to remove or tamper with the bracelet can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specifics of the case. However, it is generally advised not to try to remove or interfere with the device, as it can lead to more severe punishments.

How accurate are alcohol ankle monitors?

Alcohol ankle monitors, also known as SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) bracelets, are typically quite accurate. They are designed to monitor the wearer's perspiration every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day, to detect the presence of alcohol. This method of testing is known as transdermal alcohol testing and it provides a non-invasive way to monitor alcohol consumption.

While SCRAM bracelets are generally reliable, there are times when they give false readings. False negatives, where the device fails to detect actual alcohol consumption, are more common than false positives. This means that wearers are less likely to be wrongfully accused of alcohol consumption by their probation officers. However, products containing alcohol, such as perfume, lotions, mouthwash, and hand sanitiser, could potentially trigger the monitor and result in a false-positive reading.

SCRAM bracelets can also distinguish between alcohol consumption and exposure to environmental sources of alcohol. This is because alcohol consumption will result in a gradual increase in alcohol levels, while exposure to environmental sources will cause a sudden peak in the readings. This feature provides courts with confidence in the test results and allows them to conclusively distinguish between drinking and environmental factors.

The accuracy of SCRAM bracelets has been supported by courts, which have decided that the evidence of alcohol consumption and tampering is reliable enough to be admitted into court proceedings. The technology behind SCRAM bracelets has been scientifically proven, and the data analysis conducted by trained analysts further enhances the accuracy of the results.

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