The Broome County District Attorney started a voluntary alcohol monitoring program for 1st DWI Offenders. The program requires participants to wear an ankle monitor for 90 days and enroll in alcohol-related counseling. Participants must also participate in a crime victim impact panel session. The ankle monitor is worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the monitoring period. The program is available to those charged with Driving While Intoxicated. It is currently being offered to those arrested for their 1st offense and the drunk driving incident cannot involve a crash, fatality or reckless driving. According to court records 22 people have enrolled since the program started in January. Successful participants will have their drunk driving offense reduced to driving while ability impaired.
The SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitor is available to participants at an out-of-pocket cost of $8 per day. It requires complete abstinence from alcohol for the 90-day period. The bracelet can be worn under most pant legs and is water-resistant meaning people can shower, exercise and go about normal activities while wearing the device. The program helps those who are facing drunk driving charges avoid automatic jail time. Successful completion of the program will result in the reduction of charges which can help with their criminal record, fine payments and other penalties.