There have been a number of lawsuits filed against ankle monitor companies and law enforcement agencies in recent years. These lawsuits have alleged a variety of wrongdoing, including:
- Privacy violations: Lawsuits have alleged that ankle monitors collect and track users’ personal data without their consent.
- False positives: Lawsuits have alleged that ankle monitors have generated false positives, which can lead to unnecessary arrests and detentions.
- Malfunctions: Lawsuits have alleged that ankle monitors have malfunctioned, causing discomfort or injury to users.
- Discrimination: Lawsuits have alleged that ankle monitors are disproportionately used against people of color and people with low incomes.
One of the most notable ankle monitor lawsuits was filed in 2018 against BI Incorporated, a leading manufacturer of ankle monitors. The lawsuit alleged that BI Incorporated’s ankle monitors were defective and caused burns to users. BI Incorporated denied any wrongdoing, but eventually agreed to settle the lawsuit for $1.5 million.
In 2021, a class action lawsuit was filed against the city of New Orleans and ETOH Monitoring, a private company that provides ankle monitoring services to the city. The lawsuit alleged that ETOH Monitoring was charging excessive fees for ankle monitoring services and that the city was violating defendants’ constitutional rights by contracting with a private company to provide a government function. The lawsuit is still pending.
These lawsuits raise important concerns about the use of ankle monitors and the potential for abuse. It is important to note that ankle monitors are a powerful tool that can be used to track and monitor people’s movements. However, it is also important to ensure that ankle monitors are used fairly and that users’ rights are protected.
If you are considering using an ankle monitor, it is important to do your research and understand the risks involved. You should also be aware of your rights and what to do if you have any concerns about your ankle monitor.
