Information For Clients - Total Court Services | Ignition Interlock

How much does it cost to wear SCRAM CAM?
There is a one-time installation cost then a daily cost which we breakdown for you by week. Typically, we expect payment of the installation cost as well as four weeks of monitoring. We can work with you on reasonable payment plans.

Does the bracelet make noise?
When the SCRAM CAM Bracelet takes a reading every 30 minutes, a light buzzing sound can be heard, but is generally reported to be “discreet.”

I have a digital phone line. Will that work with the SCRAM Base Station?
The SCRAM Base Station can work with an analog or digital phone line. If you do not have a phone line of any kind, we have options to use your home-based Internet or a cellular device. Both have additional costs. Make sure you ask about your options when you call.

What products should I refrain from using while wearing SCRAM CAM?
We recommend you avoid using any products on or near the bracelet that contain alcohol. This includes lotions, body sprays, perfumes, or colognes. The application of small quantities of these products in areas far from the bracelet should not be problematic. However, it is your responsibility to know what you are putting on, in, or near your body at all times. If you have any concerns, please contact us right away.

Can I travel and go through TSA screening?
Please be sure to check first with the court or agency. We also recommend that you carry your paperwork that addresses your participation in a SCRAM CAM monitoring program. When passing through security, inform the TSA agent that you are wearing an electronic monitoring device that you cannot remove. The TSA agent may “swab” the bracelet and test it. However, you should be permitted to pass through security while wearing the SCRAM CAM Bracelet.

Can I wear boots or leggings?
You can’t wear anything that would go between the skin and the bracelet. You can wear boots or leggings over the top, but be cautious that boots could cause the bracelet to rub and even create a blister.

Can I use hair coloring/hair dye?
We recommend that SCRAM CAM clients refrain from using any alcohol-containing products on or around the bracelet. Many clients are exposed to hair color and other similar products without any noticeable transdermal alcohol concentration (TAQ detections. When in doubt, we recommend reporting the questionable activity to your supervising agency so that notes may be placed in your client record to take the activity into consideration while analyzing the data.

What if I kiss someone who has been drinking?
Kissing someone who has been drinking has no impact on SCRAM CAM testing or results.

What happens if I have a violation?
We are obligated to report any noncompliance to your court or agency. We prepare the necessary reports and deliver them as soon as the data is available. It is up to the court or agency if you will face any repercussions from any noncompliance.

Is it safe to wear SCRAM CAM during an MRI, X-Ray, or CT scan?
You cannot wear a monitoring bracelet if you need an MRI. You will need to contact your supervising agency prior to a scheduled appointment to make arrangements to have the bracelet removed prior to the procedure.

Your supervising agency may have additional requirements.

Can I exercise with the bracelet on? Will it flop around and will that register as tampering?
Exercise will have no impact to the functions of the bracelet. For comfort, you might want to wear a sweat band or a sock rolled down to prevent the bracelet from “bouncing” on the ankle bone.

Will I set off alarms when I go through security checkpoints, like leaving a department or convenience store?
No. It’s no different than your cell phone or any other jewelry you might wear.

Can I spray tan or go into a tanning bed?
You CANNOT spray tan at all. Tanning beds should be limited and no application of lotions should be made near the bracelet. It is your responsibility to ensure that nothing with alcohol is used on or near the bracelet.

I’ve been court ordered to use a SCRAM Remote Breath device, how do I get started?
Your first step is to contact Total Court Services right away. Most court orders require that you be installed within 24 hours. We will get an appointment set for you right away and answer any questions you might have.

How much does it cost to use SCRAM Remote Breath?
There is a one-time installation cost then a daily cost which we breakdown for you by week. Typically we expect payment of the installation cost as well as four weeks of monitoring. We can work with you on reasonable payment plans.

Will I be showed how to use the device properly?
During enrollment you will have the opportunity to take practice tests. You can take as many practice tests as needed to get comfortable with taking a test.

How can I ensure I get a good photo whenever the Remote Breath device takes a test?
·   Be in a well-lit area away from direct sunlight.
·   Remove hats, sunglasses/eye glasses, and any hair hanging over the face.
·   Stand or sit with your back against a wall, hold your head upright, and look directly forward.
·   Hold the device up to your mouth with the breath tube level with the floor.
·   Blow steady and consistent until you see STOP on the Remote Breath device.

How do I know when I am supposed to take a test?
You court or program is responsible for designating your test schedule. These can be fixed tests that occur on the same time on certain days, random tests which can occur at any time, and on-demand tests that can be ordered any time. The device itself will turn on and prompt you for a test. Additionally, you can opt to have Courtesy Reminders sent to your cell phone.

The Remote Breath device powered up for no apparent reason. It did not request a test and then shut down. Why?
The Remote Breath device powers up and connects to the network every 20 minutes to check for any updates.

What cell service does the Remote Breath device use?
AT&T3G Network

What are “Courtesy Reminders?”
Courtesy Reminders are additional reminders that can be sent to your cell phone to remind you that you have a test coming up. These are in addition to the notifications that are generated by the Remote Breath device. Only one reminder will be sent per testing period. You will be responsible for any data charges that may apply.

How long do I have to take a test once the device activates and prompts for a test?
There is a grace period set for each court or program. The grace period is the amount of time that you have to take a test once the test has been initiated. It can be set to any amount of time the court or program wishes. Your supervising agent will tell you what settings are used for your program.

Can I take a required/requested test while the Remote Breath device is plugged in and charging?
Yes. You can take a test while the device is plugged in. Just ensure that you are following all the steps for a quality picture during testing.

How will I know if my test was taken properly? Will I know if I passed?
If there is any abnormality in your test the device will prompt you for a retest. The device will tell you what to do if this occurs. The device does not tell you if you pass or not. To ensure that you pass your tests, make sure you follow all proper testing procedures.

How often do I have to charge my device?
You are required to charge it every day. The battery light will turn solid green once the battery is fully charged. Allowing the battery to run low or die is a violation that will be reported to the court or program.

I’ve lost my Remote Breath device. Is there any way it can be tracked?
Yes. You can contact us or your supervising agent and ask them to send an on-demand test to the device. A GPS location is taken with missed tests as well as taken tests, and a GPS location will be mapped for the device. If the battery has been depleted we can attempt to locate it by the last known location. If it is not located, you may incur the cost to replace the lost device.

What does a GPS bracelet do?
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It uses satellites and cell networks to record and transmit the wearer’s location constantly. The device also tracks whether the wearer is at home for designated curfew hours as well as staying clear of areas in which the wearer is not permitted to go for various reasons. Any deviation of curfew or exclusionary areas triggers immediate alerts to the monitoring authority.

What is the round button on the front of my GPS bracelet and what does it do?
The small button is a communication verification button. If you receive a vibration or a tone, you can press this button in order to shut it off and acknowledge that you received the vibration or tone. If you do not press it, or do press it and do not take the action you were instructed to take, the court or monitoring authority will continue to send alerts until you respond.

What does the long vibration on my GPS mean?
If your GPS has a long constant vibration lasting for 30 seconds or more, that is a reminder for you to charge your bracelet. You are required to charge your bracelet before the battery gets low and this vibration is a reminder to you to do just that. Charge your bracelet as soon as possible. You can press the round acknowledgment button on the front of the G PS to stop the vibration.

How do I charge my GPS and how often?
You will be given a special charging cord that works only with our particular GPS bracelets. Even though the bracelet has a long battery life, you are still required to charge the bracelet for two hours each day. The charging cord is long and should provide you enough slack to be able to move around the room in which you are charging. When the bracelet is completely charged, the green battery light on top will turn solid indicating the bracelet has a full charge and you can then unplug the charger. You will know that you have successfully attached the charger when you feel a brief vibration and the green light begins to blink on top of the bracelet.

What does the pulse vibration or the repeating tone on my GPS mean?
The GPS bracelet has built in two-way communication. The pulse vibration or the repeating tone are manually sent to your bracelet by the court or your monitoring authority. When you are initially enrolled in the GPS program you will be instructed as to what you are required to do in the event that either the pulse vibration or tone occur on your bracelet.

Do I have any restrictions while wearing a GPS bracelet?
You can do your normal daily activities-go to work, school, appointments, workout, or anything else that is in your normal routine, outside of avoiding places that you have been instructed to avoid. The device is water resistant, however, we do not permit them the be submerged under water.

Is it safe to wear SCRAM GPS during an MRI, X-Ray, or CT scan?
You cannot wear a monitoring bracelet if you need an MRI. You will need to contact your supervising agency prior to a scheduled appointment to make arrangements to have the bracelet removed prior to the procedure. Your supervising agency may have additional requirements.

Can I exercise with the bracelet on? Will it flop around and will that register as tampering?
Exercise will have no impact to the functions of the bracelet. For comfort, you might want to wear a sweat band or a sock rolled down to prevent the bracelet from “bouncing” on the ankle bone.

Can I travel and go through TSA screening?
Please be sure to check first with the court or agency. We also recommend that you carryyour paperwork that addresses your participation in a SCRAM GPS monitoring program. When passing through security, inform the TSA agent that you are wearing an electronic monitoring device that you cannot remove. The TSA agent may “swab” the bracelet and test it. However, you should be permitted to pass through security while wearing the SCRAM GPS Bracelet.

How much does it cost to wear a SCRAM House Arrest monitoring bracelet?
There is a one-time installation cost then a daily cost which we breakdown for you by week. Typically we expect payment of the installation cost as well as four weeks of monitoring. We can work with you on reasonable payment plans.

I have a digital phone line. Will that work with the SCRAM Base Station?
The SCRAM Base Station can work with an analog or digital phone line. If you do not have a phone line of any kind, we have options to use your home-based Internet or a cellular device. Both have additional costs. Make sure you ask about your options when you call.

The clocks I use are off by a few minutes than the time displayed on the base station, which is right?
The time displayed on the SCRAM Base Station is the time that your curfew and all system settings use. The time displayed is the only time that you should us to determine if you are on time for curfew.

What happens if I have a violation?
We are obligated to report any noncompliance to your court or agency. We prepare the necessary reports and deliver them as soon as the data is available. It is up to the court or agency if you will face any repercussions from any noncompliance.

Can I travel and go through TSA screening?
Please be sure to check first with the court or agency. We also recommend that you carry your paperwork that addresses your participation in a SCRAM House Arrest monitoring program. When passing through security, inform the TSA agent that you are wearing an electronic monitoring device that you cannot remove. The TSA agent may “swab” the bracelet and test it. However, you should be permitted to pass through security while wearing the SCRAM House Arrest

Is it safe to wear SCRAM House Arrest during an MRI, X-Ray, or CT scan?
You cannot wear a monitoring bracelet if you need an MRI. You will need to contact your supervising agency prior to a scheduled appointment to make arrangements to have the bracelet removed prior to the procedure. Your supervising agency may have additional requirements.

Can I exercise with the bracelet on?
Will it flop around and will that register as tampering?Exercise will have no impact to the functions of the bracelet. For comfort, you might want to wear a sweat band or a sock rolled down to prevent the bracelet from “bouncing” on the ankle bone.

Will I set off alarms when I go through security checkpoints, like leaving a department or convenience store?
No. It’s no different than your cell phone or any other jewelry you might wear.

Can I go swimming or take a bath?
Showers are permitted and encouraged as the device is water resistant, however, you are not permitted to submerge the bracelet in any way. Swimming or bathing will submerge the bracelet and any damages to your equipment will be your responsibility.

What if my work or school schedule changes?
Contact your reporting authority right away and provide them with any changes to your schedule that may affect your curfew. They will make a determination of your schedule can be changed and will notify us to make the appropriate modifications to your schedule or curfew.

Will an ignition interlock drain my battery?
The device draws very little power from your vehicle’s battery. The amount of power it draws will not be enough to drain your battery, however, we recommend starting your vehicle daily and allowing it to run for 15 consecutive minutes every day. It is important to stay in your vehicle in case the interlock requests a repeat test.

Can the unit just fail and prevent me from starting my vehicle?
The interlock unit will function as expected as long as your battery and vehicle are in good working order. As long as you provide a breath sample in which the interlock does not detect any alcohol, your vehicle will start without a problem.

What if my friend or family member uses my interlock and was drinking?
You are responsible for all tests, whether taken by you or not. We equip your interlock and vehicle with a camera that records photos of each test. A missed rolling test will still be your responsibility, so ensure whomever uses your vehicle understands how and when tests are required.

What should I do if I have to have work done on my car?
Notify us that work will be done. Save and copy all receipts associated with the work and submit them to us with a letter explaining the work. Disconnecting the battery, even for vehicle maintenance, must be reported to the state.

Will an interlock damage my vehicle?
An ignition interlock device will not damage your vehicle. Our technicians and service center network are supported by our in-house experts who are continuously working with new vehicles to ensure we are able to install safely in any type of vehicle.

What is a BrAC read ing and what do es it mean if I get one?
Our interlock is designed to test your Br AC, or Breath Alcohol Content. It will detect anything that contains an alcohol molecule. If the interlock device displays anything other than 0.00, this is an indication that an alcohol molecule has been detected. Any Br AC readings may be reported to your monitoring authority.

How often will the interlock ask for tests?
Every time you start your vehicle you will have to supply a test in order for the vehicle’s ignition to operate. Once started, you will be prompted by the handset to take a rolling retest at random intervals. When that occurs, pull your vehicle over and supply the required test.

What if I miss a rolling retest?
Retests occur randomly, even if your car is not moving. It is important to stay in your vehicle when the key is in the ignition or your vehicle is running so you know when the device prompts for a retest. You have a certain amount of time to supply the sample. Failure to do so must be reported as a violation whether you were driving the vehicle or not.

What is a lockout and reset?
In the event that you fail a test, even if you supply a subsequent passing sample, do not submit a sample when required, or there is an extended loss of power your device may lock you out of starting your vehicle. In that event, we must perform a reset which we can do remotely. There may be a cost associated with that service.

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