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 Louisiana (LA), a SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) device may be used as a condition of bond or probation for individuals charged with or convicted of DUI/DWI offenses. The use of SCRAM is intended to monitor an individual's alcohol consumption and ensure compliance with court-ordered abstinence from alcohol. If a court orders the use of a SCRAM device, it typically occurs during the pre-trial phase for those awaiting trial on DUI/DWI charges or as a part of sentencing for those convicted of such offenses. The device is designed to detect any attempts at tampering and will report such incidents to the monitoring service. In some cases, volunteering to wear a SCRAM device may influence the court's sentencing decisions, potentially leading to reduced penalties. The specific regulations and application of SCRAM devices may vary by jurisdiction within the state, and the decision to use such a device is at the discretion of the court.