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 Pennsylvania, SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) devices are used as a part of the state's alcohol monitoring programs, particularly for individuals involved in DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) cases. The use of SCRAM may be mandated by the court as a condition of bail, probation, or parole for individuals with alcohol-related offenses. The device is designed to measure alcohol consumption through skin perspiration and report any violations, such as attempts to tamper with the device or consumption of alcohol, to the authorities. Compliance with SCRAM monitoring can potentially influence the outcome of a case or the severity of the sentence, as voluntary use of the device may demonstrate an individual's commitment to sobriety and may be considered favorably by the court. Pennsylvania law, under Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, provides for the use of such monitoring devices as part of its efforts to reduce repeat DUI offenses and ensure public safety.