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 Washington State, SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) devices are used as a part of the state's approach to monitoring individuals who have been charged with or convicted of alcohol-related offenses, such as DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). The use of a SCRAM device may be mandated by the court as a condition of pretrial release, probation, or as an alternative to incarceration. The device is designed to detect alcohol consumption through skin perspiration and report any violations to the authorities. If an individual tampers with the device, it will trigger an alert. Additionally, some individuals may voluntarily choose to wear a SCRAM device to demonstrate sobriety and potentially mitigate the severity of their sentence. The specific regulations and procedures for the use of SCRAM devices in Washington are governed by state statutes and the discretion of the court handling the individual's case.