Avoid a Violation: Practical Tips for GPS Ankle Monitor Use
Actionable advice and best practices to help you navigate daily life with a GPS monitor and avoid accidental technical violations.
When you are placed on electronic monitoring, the goal is successful completion, not a return to custody. However, many individuals face setbacks not because they intend to break the law, but because they commit "technical violations" due to poor planning or misunderstanding the rules.
To help you or your loved one succeed, we have compiled the most effective tips for avoiding violations, drawing from our extensive experience in managing house arrest and GPS tracking programs.
1. Master Your Charging Routine
A dead battery is the most common technical violation. As outlined in the rules of wearing a monitor, you must charge the device for at least two hours daily.
- Set an Alarm: Do not rely on your memory. Set a daily alarm on your phone for a time when you are consistently sitting still (e.g., watching the evening news or eating dinner).
- Never Charge While Sleeping: We cannot stress this enough. Rolling over in your sleep will bend and break the charging cable. Our system logs exactly when and for how long you charge. If you break the charger, you cannot charge the device, which leads to a dead battery violation and a replacement fee.
2. Over-Communicate with Your Supervisor
Your probation officer or supervising bail agent is there to enforce the rules, but they prefer compliance over violations.
Schedule Changes
If your work schedule changes, submit the new documentation immediately. Never assume a verbal "okay" from a boss is enough; get it approved by your supervisor first.
Anticipate Delays
If there is a major accident on the highway and you will be late for curfew, call your supervisor before you are late, not after.
3. Understand Your Zones Precisely
"House arrest" does not mean "anywhere on the property." Your inclusion zone is mapped digitally. Often, this zone covers the interior of the house but does not extend to the street or the far corners of a large backyard.
Ask for explicit clarification during your intake process. Can you take the trash to the curb? Can you check the mail? If you are unsure, do not do it until you have confirmation.
4. Protect the Equipment
Treat the device like a fragile, expensive piece of medical equipment. While showering is permitted, wrap the device in plastic wrap to prevent soap scum and hard water from corroding the screws over time. Absolutely no baths, swimming pools, or hot tubs. If the fiber-optic strap is damaged by roughhousing or sports, it will trigger a tamper alert.
Conclusion
Avoiding a violation comes down to routine, respect for the equipment, and proactive communication. By integrating these tips into your daily life, you can smoothly navigate your period of electronic monitoring and move forward with your life.