Alcohol consumption imposes a significant burden on the U.S. health care and criminal justice systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that excessive alcohol consumption costs the United States nearly a quarter of a trillion dollars each year. A disproportionately number of alcohol-related crimes involve problem drinkers, many of whom pass through the criminal justice system.
The 24/7 Sobriety Program is a progressive and award winning program (Council of State Government’s Innovations Award winner in 2008). The program has reduced recidivism, cut jail and prison populations, and saved tax dollars by incorporating enhanced monitoring and real accountability.
The program requires individuals arrested for or convicted of alcohol-involved offenses to submit to breathalyzer tests twice daily or wear a Continuous Alcohol Monitoring bracelet at all times. Positive tests result in swift and certain, though modest, penalties, such as a day or two in jail. The approach is based on the idea that the certainty and rapidity, rather than the severity, of the punishment more effectively deters problem drinking.
SCRAM Bracelet and General Information
- The key to the success of the 24/7 Sobriety Program is its swift and immediate sanctions for violations
- Placement on the 24/7 Sobriety Program is a prerequisite for issuance of work permits (also referred to as restricted driver permits) to repeat DUI offenders and to first-time offenders with a BAC of .17% or greater
- Placement on the program may also be required as a condition of bond, sentence, probation, parole, and child custody or visitation orders
- Target offenses for the 24/7 Sobriety Program are driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (DUID)
- Judges are also placing offenders involved in other crimes such as Domestic Violence, Assault, Larceny and others
SCRAM 24/7 Sobriety Program Results
- 24/7 reduced repeat DUI arrests at the county level by 12%
- 24/7 reduced arrests for domestic violence at the county level by 9%
SCRAM Program Resources
South Dakota 24/7 Sobriety Program
Resources, varying from program statistics, overviews of the program, contact information and links to additional information.
Visit website »
Efficacy of Frequent Monitoring With Swift, Certain, and Modest Sanctions for Violations: Insights From South Dakota’s 24/7 Sobriety Project
American Public Health Association and RAND
View Abstract »
A New Approach to Reducing Drunk Driving and Domestic Violence
For more information about this program and to inquire about a pilot program, please contact us.
