I want you to know I am a very proactive judge. For example, there was a period of time when many defendants were complaining that their drug patches were falling off. In response, I met with our provider and became educated on how the patch was applied. I then wore one for 2 weeks and did everything I could to get the patch to “fall off” (which it did not). This helped me evaluate the credibility of what a defendant might say about issues regarding his or her drug patch not staying affixed.
I often put defendants on house arrest for various reasons, and I can also order the house arrest bracelet (a/k/a bracelet) to evaluate their alcohol intake. Therefore, I went to the provider’s office and learned how the bracelets were put on, how the information was collected from the bracelet remotely, and then wore one for a week. Not only was I impressed with the accuracy of the bracelet, but I was also shocked to learn that the bracelet drove me crazy and would periodically vibrate. It served as a constant reminder to me that someone was checking my behavior, so I best do what I am supposed to. I didn’t expect to learn that mental aspect of the bracelet, so I am glad I chose to wear one.
We had a new provider that proposed a portable breathalyzer machine. I knew a couple of other courts that had entertained the idea of using this particular machine. I asked the provider if I could take it home and try it out. They obliged, so I did. I stayed at home, logged my alcohol consumption, and used it. I found it to be unreliable and inaccurate and therefore determined I would not have any of my probationers use that machine. I think they have since gone out of business.