Overview
Continuous alcohol monitoring is an effective technology for offenders/defendants with alcohol related crimes. Currently, alcohol monitoring is conducted using a bracelet that utilizes alcohol monitoring technology.
How it Works
The device tests the offender’s alcohol concentration through the skin (Trans-dermal Alcohol Concentration or TAC). The bracelet is water-resistant and tamper-resistant. The offender is tested at least 24 times per day. If alcohol is detected, the system automatically begins sampling every 20 minutes until alcohol is no longer present.
The results are collected throughout the day and stored in the bracelet. The results are uploaded once a day via a modem in the offenders/defendants home, or once a week in the office. The results are then analyzed and posted on a secure website, so officers can access the information when needed. If the offender/defendant attempts to place objects (tape, playing cards, paper, etc…) between the skin and the bracelet to defeat it, the built-in tamper technology will alert the officer.
Benefits & Success
Continuous alcohol monitoring holds offenders responsible for their sobriety 24 hours a day. The bracelet is non-invasive and does not disrupt the offenders/defendants daily life, Traditional breath tests can cause the offender/defendant to miss work and traditional breath tests cannot monitor drinking continuously, as does this unit. Ultimately continuous alcohol monitoring technology allows courts to hold the individual responsible for their actions while saving money and jail beds.
Continuous alcohol monitoring has been proven in court and upheld in 58 legal cases to date.
Equipment
The current continuous alcohol monitoring bracelet being used by our office, SCRAM, is a two piece unit. It consists of the ankle bracelet and a modem.
The bracelet is fitted around the offenders/defendants ankle securely and collects and stores data 24 hours a day. The offender then downloads the information daily from home via a modem or weekly in our office. The bracelet is tamper and water resistant.
The bracelet communicates with a modem via radio frequency technology that then uploads data via a phone line to the monitoring center. The monitoring center then interprets and reads the data where it is securely stored on a website for a probation officer to access.
Additional Resources
SCRAM Magnet Procedure
SCRAM Modem
Setting up Homeguard w/ SCRAM
