7 Ankle Monitor FAQs

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Serving time for a crime doesn’t necessarily mean incarceration. There are different ways for offenders to pay their debt to society and alleviate some of the issues in the criminal justice system. 

In the United States, overcrowding in prisons is a problem that has led to violence, inadequate healthcare, reduced opportunities for reform, and limited visitation. The recent pandemic has also affected COVID infection and mortality rates as many prisons are operating at their capacity.

An ankle monitor is an alternative to incarceration. This device is used as a way to track offenders and limit their movements. 

If you’ve ever wondered about the function and purpose of an ankle monitor, we’re here to guide you with some commonly asked questions.  

Keep reading to learn more about ankle monitors and find out what you need to know for this incarceration substitute. 

1. How Does an Ankle Monitor Work?

An ankle monitor device tracks an offender’s movement and ensures they stay within the physical boundaries of their probation. 

With a GPS ankle monitor, law enforcement can observe the wearer’s location in real-time. Once there has been a violation, the corrections department is notified immediately. Most states have different rules and regulations, but ankle monitors are commonly used for house arrest, probation, and parole.

There are several different types of ankle monitors. All have a GPS function while others can feature voice communication, alcohol detection, and curfew monitoring.

They also help to keep offenders away from certain areas. Sex offenders cannot get near children’s schools otherwise the ankle monitor will sound an alarm.

This device is customizable for each offender. It controls the travel radius according to the offender’s house arrest terms. 

2. Does an Ankle Monitor Detect Alcohol Consumption?

Driving under the influence is one of the most common crimes that can lead to a court-ordered ankle monitor. This can be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any substance over the legal limit. 

Though this is an alternative to incarceration, some offenders might have to wear an ankle bracelet in addition to jail time. One of the restrictions of wearing an ankle bracelet is that you cannot drink alcohol.  

It might be surprising to know that there are ankle monitors on the market that can detect alcohol consumption. It tests the wearer’s perspiration each hour of the day and sends information to the legal authority.  

3. Can an Ankle Monitor Hear Me? 

Yes. Another surprising fact about ankle monitors that you may not know is that they are well-equipped with voice communication. 

This means that the correction agency can get in touch with the offender at a moment’s notice. It also means that they have built-in microphones that have the capacity to listen in or record your conversations. 

One of the best ankle monitors, the ReliAlert XC3 offers three-way voice communication, eliminating the need for phone calls between the defendant and their officers. 

4. What Is an Ankle Monitor Violation?

If you are hoping to avoid incarceration, it is important to remember that there are several ankle monitor rules.

As we know, consuming alcohol and going outside the designated perimeter are the main violations of wearing an ankle monitor. Here are some other common violations: 

  • Trying to break the ankle monitor 
  • Snipping the device strap 
  • Hitting or banging the ankle monitor
  • Soaking the ankle monitor in water 

Tampering with the device in any way is a violation of its use. When this happens, law enforcement will get in touch with the offender, and often it will lead to an arrest and jail time.

5. How Durable Is an Ankle Monitor? 

Many ankle monitors can withstand a lot of wear and tear. They are built with quality technology and a durable, long-lasting battery. 

Kapatec’s ankle monitor lasts over 50 hours on a single charge. Their innovative technology also makes it impossible for the wearer to cut or detach the device. 

If someone you love is considering this incarceration alternative, you might want to find out more about the benefits of an ankle monitor

6. Can an Ankle Monitor Get Wet?

Keeping the area around the device clean is important, but you cannot submerge the device in water. Someone who wears this device cannot use a swimming pool or take a bath. 

Only showers are allowed, however, it is recommended to keep the device just outside of the shower and clean it carefully. 

As previously mentioned, submerging the device is one of the violations of wearing the device. 

7. Can You Exercise With an Ankle Monitor? 

Although an ankle monitor can be somewhat constricting, there are many things that you can do. Exercise, for example, won’t tamper with any of the functions of an ankle monitor. 

Most are made with highly resilient material and won’t get in the way of exercise. For added comfort, the wearer can use a sweatband or a sock around the device. However, it is not recommended to wear a sock underneath the ankle bracelet. 

The wearer cannot place anything between the device and their skin. 

Your Ankle Monitor FAQs Answered

Understanding the function and capabilities of an ankle monitor can be a bit confusing. If you or someone you love is considering this incarceration alternative, these helpful answers to your frequently asked questions can help you make the right decision. Remember that an ankle monitor can detect alcohol consumption, track GPS location, and has voice communication capabilities. 

Visit our website and contact our team at Kapatec for high-quality equipment and fast delivery of tracking devices.

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