American Indian Report - September/October 2008 - (Page 12)

J US T I CE Device Monitors Sobriety for Pueblo By Randi Hicks Rowe The Isleta Pueblo court has become the first tribal court to use a new technology to help alcoholics stay sober. The technology, called SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor), includes an ankle bracelet worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week, that samples a person’s sweat every 30 minutes to test for alcohol consumption. Judge Anthony Abeita has been ordering the use of SCRAM for those arrested for driving under the influence and for domestic abuse cases. Those orders began last October, and so far SCRAM devices have monitored 38 people for an average of 80 days each. All have avoided drinking during the period. “I am seeing people I have known my entire life sober for the first time in 15 or 20 years,” Abeita said. Abeita wants SCRAM to function both as a punishment and as a tool for improving long-term treatment outcomes. “By getting these individuals sober before they even begin their treatment program, our chances of making a long-term impact and reducing repeat offenses are far greater,” he said. Those using SCRAM often have serious addictions, and about 40 percent try unsuccessfully to tamper with it while it is worn. This underscores the severity 12 of an addiction, Abeita said. “Before SCRAM, we had no way to know who was compliant or needed additional intervention and sanctions. Both numbers tell me that SCRAM is working. It is making a difference,” he said. The system is currently being used successfully in about 1,500 jurisdictions, according to Kathleen Brown, a spokeswoman for Alcohol Monitoring Systems, Inc., the manufacturer. Nationally, the combined average for both tampers and drinking violations of SCRAM users is only 21 percent. The pueblo previously had been using other technologies, such as ignition interlock, which prevents automobiles from starting if an individual is too drunk to drive, in trying to monitor and rehabilitate drunken drivers. But SCRAM adds the capability of monitoring individuals all the time on or off the reservation, Abeita said. SCRAM also helps save money that otherwise might be used to house offenders in jails. The fee averages $12 a day. Isleta participants are often ordered to contribute to the fee, but the court subsidizes it for those who cannot afford it. Typical daily costs for housing offenders in tribal jail are about $64 a day. “The net cost savings are extraordinary,” said Abeita. n September/October 2008 American Indian Report

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American Indian Report - September 2008 Contents Notes from Indian Country Language Learning Gets More High-Tech Native American Music Awards Celebrates 10th Anniversary Hoop Dancing's Best to Compete for World Champ Title in Phoenix Congress: Activity on the Hill Device Monitors Sobriety for Pueblo Planning for Economic Development Negotiated Rulemaking to Impact NAHASDA�Reauthorization Cherokee Takes Big Step Toward Health Care Vision Preparing a Vision for the Future Grants: NAHMI - Strengthening Native American Families Blogroll

American Indian Report - September/October 2008

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