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 Michigan, SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) devices are used as a part of the state's alcohol monitoring strategies, particularly in cases involving DUI/DWI offenses. The use of SCRAM may be mandated by the court as a condition of bond for individuals awaiting trial for DUI/DWI, or as a condition of probation following a conviction. The device is designed to detect alcohol consumption through skin perspiration and is intended to be tamper-resistant, with any attempts to remove or interfere with the device being reported to the authorities. Additionally, individuals convicted of DUI/DWI may choose to voluntarily wear a SCRAM device as a demonstration of sobriety, which could potentially influence the court's sentencing decisions. The regulations surrounding the use of SCRAM devices in Michigan are consistent with the state's efforts to monitor and reduce alcohol-related offenses and ensure compliance with court-ordered sobriety.