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 New York State, SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) devices are used as a form of electronic monitoring to ensure that individuals who are either awaiting trial or have been convicted of DUI/DWI offenses abstain from alcohol consumption. The use of SCRAM may be mandated by the court as a condition of bail, probation, or as part of a sentencing agreement. It is designed to monitor alcohol consumption through skin perspiration and is tamper-resistant, with any attempts to remove or interfere with the device being reported to authorities. Additionally, individuals may voluntarily choose to wear a SCRAM device to potentially mitigate the severity of their sentence. The specific regulations and application of SCRAM devices may vary by jurisdiction within the state, and the decision to use such monitoring is typically at the discretion of the court.