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 Minnesota, a SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) device may be used as a condition of release for individuals awaiting trial for DUI/DWI offenses, or as a part of sentencing for those convicted of such offenses. The use of SCRAM is intended to monitor an individual's alcohol consumption and ensure compliance with court-ordered abstinence. If a court orders the use of a SCRAM device, it typically does so as a condition of probation or pretrial release. Tampering with or attempting to remove the SCRAM device can result in penalties, including potential revocation of probation or bond and additional criminal charges. In some cases, individuals may voluntarily agree to wear a SCRAM device to demonstrate sobriety and potentially mitigate the severity of their sentence. The specific regulations and application of SCRAM devices in DUI/DWI cases can vary based on the circumstances of the case and the discretion of the court.