MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - New technology allows probation officers to monitor not only an offender's location, but also their bloodstream. The scram tether is strapped to an offender's ankle and takes a sweat sample every half hour. If an alcohol is detected in the sample the device sends and alert to waiting technicians at the parole and probation office.
Lieutenant Greg Frenger states, "It's definitely more effective in keeping those offenders from consuming at all. Where as a daily preliminary breath test, there are certain ways around that."
Many of these devices are also able to use GPS technology to track offenders with location restrictions. The system has a 15 dollar daily charge, making it cost neutral to the state.