An alcohol ankle monitor—also known as a SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor)—is an ankle bracelet consisting of two small boxes secured by a strap and worn 24 hours a day. A SCRAM monitors perspiration on the skin for alcohol content—similar to the way a breathalyzer test measures blood alcohol concentration. A SCRAM is tamper-resistant and if a person attempts to remove or tamper with it, the tampering will be detected and reported through the remote monitoring service.

A person who is out of jail on bond awaiting a DUI/DWI trial may be ordered to wear a SCRAM. And a person who has been convicted of a DUI/DWI criminal offense may be ordered to wear a SCRAM for some period of time—as a condition of probation, for example. A person convicted of a DUI/DWI criminal offense may also volunteer to wear a SCRAM in an effort to reduce the severity of the sentence.

In Illinois, a SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) device may be used as a condition of bond, probation, or as part of a sentence in DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) cases. Illinois law allows courts to impose the use of a SCRAM device to monitor an individual's alcohol consumption as part of pretrial release or as a condition of probation for those convicted of DUI/DWI offenses. The device is designed to detect alcohol consumption through skin perspiration and is tamper-resistant, with any attempts to remove or interfere with the device being reported to authorities. Wearing a SCRAM can be voluntary, as some individuals may choose to use the device to demonstrate sobriety and potentially mitigate the severity of their sentence. The specific conditions under which a SCRAM is required, and the duration of its use, are determined by the court on a case-by-case basis.