DWI Offenders Staying Away from Alcohol in Ankle Bracelet Experiment
Judges and anti-drunken-driving activists are applauding a year-old experimental program in New York state to outfit DWI offenders with ankle bracelets that detect alcohol use through the skin.
Sixty-one offenders wore the device, called a secure continuous remote alcohol monitor, or SCRAM, the Buffalo News reports. Only a handful tampered with the bracelets or were caught drinking, the story says.
The bracelets give offenders a chance to stay out of prison. The defendants also are required to undergo counseling and attend self-help sessions.
One of those who is pleased by the results is John F. Sullivan, project coordinator for Erie County’s STOP-DWI program. “My initial impression was it was simply another last chance for our worst offenders, an additional chance to stay out of jail, which I didn’t favor,” Sullivan told the Buffalo News. “But it’s so intrusive, the program is able to look after them, even if they’re not in jail, in an effective way so they’re not drinking and driving.”
