What Are the Rules Of Wearing a GPS Ankle Monitor?
A clear, no-nonsense breakdown of the daily rules, physical restrictions, and maintenance requirements for wearing a GPS tracking device.
Wearing a GPS ankle monitor is a significant responsibility. While it offers the invaluable benefit of remaining in your community rather than a jail cell, it requires strict adherence to both legal conditions and physical equipment rules.
We've previously discussed house arrest conditions in a broader legal sense. In this post, we are focusing specifically on the physical rules of wearing and maintaining the device itself to ensure you remain compliant.
1. The Golden Rule: Never Remove or Tamper With the Device
Under no circumstances are you allowed to remove the device. The strap contains fiber-optic cables that immediately send a tamper alert if cut, stretched, or manipulated.
Do not try to slip it off, do not wedge objects between the strap and your skin, and do not attempt to open the casing. Any of these actions will be interpreted as an attempt to abscond and will likely result in an immediate warrant for your arrest.
2. Mandatory Daily Charging
The device is a computer, and it requires power. Allowing the battery to die is a violation of your release conditions because it prevents the device from tracking your location.
Charge 2 Hours Daily
You must dedicate at least two continuous hours every day to charge the device using the provided wall charger.
No Sleeping While Charging
You cannot charge the device while you sleep. Tossing and turning can break the charger port, and you will be billed for the damage.
3. Water Rules: Showers Yes, Swimming No
The ReliAlert™XC4 is highly water-resistant, but it is not meant for deep submersion.
- Showering: You can and should shower normally. However, as noted in our Support guidelines, we strongly recommend wrapping the device in plastic wrap during showers to prevent hard water buildup and rust on the screws over time.
- Baths, Pools, and Oceans: You are strictly prohibited from submerging the device in a bathtub, swimming pool, hot tub, or the ocean. Submersion can damage the internal components and will trigger a tamper alert.
4. Responding to the Device
As explained in our post about whether monitors can hear you, the device features 3-way voice communication. If the device rings, vibrates, or emits a siren tone, you must acknowledge it.
If an operator speaks to you through the device, you must answer clearly and follow their instructions immediately. Ignoring the operator or covering the speaker is considered non-compliance.
Clothing and Comfort
You must wear the device directly against your skin. You cannot wear socks or thick clothing underneath the strap. If you experience chafing, you can wear a soft, thin sock over the device to protect your other leg, but nothing can be placed between the strap and your ankle.
Conclusion
Wearing a GPS monitor requires a daily commitment to these rules. By treating the equipment with care, adhering strictly to your charging schedule, and protecting the device from submersion, you can avoid unnecessary technical violations and successfully complete your period of supervision.