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 Nevada, SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) devices are used as a form of monitoring for individuals who have been charged with or convicted of DUI/DWI offenses. The use of SCRAM is typically ordered by a court as a condition of pretrial release, probation, or parole. When a person is awaiting trial for a DUI/DWI, a judge may require the use of a SCRAM device to ensure the individual abstains from alcohol consumption. Similarly, for those convicted of DUI/DWI offenses, wearing a SCRAM may be mandated as part of their sentence or probation conditions. In some cases, individuals may voluntarily choose to wear a SCRAM device to demonstrate sobriety and potentially mitigate the severity of their sentence. The device is designed to detect alcohol consumption through skin perspiration and is monitored remotely. Any attempts to tamper with or remove the device are reported, which can lead to legal consequences, including potential revocation of bond or probation and additional penalties.