SCRAM bracelets proven to reduce alcohol consumption and alcohol-fuelled crime

A trial in Wales to ban offenders found guilty of alcohol-related crime from drinking is underway, thanks to the technology of SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring® bracelets)

The trial follows successful pilots rolled out in other parts of the UK, in which lawbreakers have been ordered to wear the bracelets, nicknamed, ‘sobriety tags’, to enforce a period of abstinence.

Results from those earlier trials have shown offenders to be alcohol-free on more than 97% of the days monitored and wearers reported a positive impact on their lives, wellbeing and behaviour as a result.

SCRAM bracelets are fitted to a wearer’s ankle and are designed to be tamper and damage-proof. They take a reading of the wearer’s sweat every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day, to detect any alcohol consumed by the wearer.

The tag’s built-in technology enables it to differentiate between alcohol that is ingested and alcohol present in the environment from things such as aerosols and perfumes, and even alcohol-laden environments such as pubs.

When an attempt to remove or interfere with the device – including attempts to cut off contact between the tag and the skin – an alert is sent to probation officers.

As part of a new power for the courts, the tags can be given out when an alcohol abstinence order is imposed which serves a drinking ban on an offender for up to 120 days. Offenders found to be in breach of their drinking ban can face fines or can be sentenced in court.

It’s estimated that around 39% of violent crime involves offenders who are under the influence of alcohol, and the social and economic cost of alcohol-related harm is said to cost the UK tax payer more than £21 billion a year, according to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

As well as rulings to wear the devices, treatment referrals for alcohol abuse will continue to be made for those with more serious alcohol addictions who commit crimes, the MoJ said.

Crime and policing minister Kit Malthouse said the sobriety tags “can break the self-destructive cycle” offenders can experience and help them sober up if they so choose.

AlphaBiolabs works with the UK courts system to supply SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring®) alcohol bracelets to legal clients across the UK.

Our UK-wide team of sample collectors is trained to fit the devices and to install the accompanying in-home device which records the data from the bracelet.

We also provide a range of alcohol testing services to legal firms and local authorities including breath, hair, nail and blood sample analysis at our quality laboratory.

Get a quote of for more information, call our Customer Services team, on: 0333 600 1300 or email: info@alphabiolabs.com