Guest Blog by anonymous former client
Hennepin County’s Electronic Home Monitoring Program is an alternative to jail time for low-risk offenders. Offenders are monitored by a transmitter installed on their ankle holding them accountable for their actions and whereabouts by the Hennepin County Department of Corrections.
Getting set up on Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM) is fairly simple. First, I made sure to report to the Hennepin County Workhouse on the date and time specified by my sentencing judge and brought proper identification. Upon my arrival I was prompted to fill out some general paperwork about where I live and work so they could call and verify my employment and make sure I had a working landline set up. It is extremely important that you have a landline set up prior to reporting to the workhouse, otherwise they will hold you in jail until the line is up and running.
Once everything was verified I met with an officer to set up my schedule for the week. We discussed my work schedule and how much time I needed to get to and from work. Lastly, the officer installed the transmitter around my ankle and sent me home with a receiver that I attached to my landline which registers when I enter or leave the house.
The ankle bracelet is very tight and uncomfortable. My ankle was incredibly sore for about a week because of the pressure of the sensors on the bracelet, but I eventually got used to it. Be aware that you cannot consume any alcohol or use any products that contain alcohol such as lotion, shampoo, makeup, household cleaners, etc. or the transmitter will pick it up, which could violate the conditions of your sentence.
I am thankful to be on the EHM Work Release Program in lieu of jail time, but I still have moments where I get down on myself. I struggle with being a burden to my family and friends when I need a ride somewhere or can’t do things because I am not allowed to leave the house. However, it does get easier with each passing day, knowing that I am one day closer to completing my sentence. This whole DWI experience has completely changed my life and has taught me a lot about myself and the kind of person I want to be. I am looking forward to putting all of this behind me and moving forward with my life.
