National

Ankle Monitoring: Are They Effective Trackers, or Malfunctioning Devices?

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Recent incidents involving persons being ankle monitored committing, or becoming victims of crimes have grabbed national headlines, including the suspicious death of a man wearing an ankle monitor in Exuma. So how does it work, and what are the parameters around it?

Published

1 month ago

July 29, 2026

Joshua Williams

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Ankle monitors have been long used to keep an eye on the whereabouts on those convicted of crimes. So, how does it work?

You can think of it like an apple AirTag on your leg, it connects to a GPS and then a cell tower, sending signals back to the monitoring company that’s privately owned.

So what’s the main advantage?

A source knowledgable about the tool tells us the device can pinpoint exact locations of the persons wearing it, and if they have left the area they’re supposed to be in. Essentially giving those monitoring all the information they need.

This also comes in handy with assisting police officers and even the courts.

However, like with any product, the devices come with challenges.

For example, the device could malfunction because of water damage, attempts made by the person to foil or damage it, or the person may not be charging the device properly, or at all.

Additionally, there could be brief delays in transmission, or simply because technology just fails sometimes.

Meanwhile, some may believe information coming from ankle monitors can be inaccurate, but experts tell us that’s less likely to happen.

So, what if someone deliberately cuts off their ankle monitor?

The monitoring center would then get a notification immediately, with the police being alerted almost simultaneously.

Other tools can still help them find the person if the bracelet is cut off, leading to their arrest.

The device has to be charged every day for two hours, and violation of this and other rules could also lead you to be arrested.

However, the big question is, how are criminals who are electronically monitored still able to commit crimes?

The truth is the monitoring company can’t stop criminals, they only report their whereabouts.

Then another concern is how are these persons allowed to skip sign-ins and police stations.

It’s explained that in some instances persons do go to the stations based on what’s tracked, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they sign in.

Again, it shows movement can only be monitored, not controlled.

Despite this, overall, officials say the system works, and while not perfect, it has its benefits, all aimed at keeping our streets safe.