Frequently Asked Questions

CMS only takes Emergency calls during after hours
5:30pm-8am MST Monday – Friday and weekends.
Please save general questions for regular business hours.

A valid emergency needing to be addressed immediately can call the CMS Call-center

(406) 529-1789

CMS has a call center to answer your questions if your agent is not available.

(406) 529-1789

Regular Business Hours are:
Monday-Friday
8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sweat Patch FAQ
SCRAM CAM FAQ
SCRAM GPS
SCRAM REMOTE BREATH
ALLIED BRACELET

Sweat Patch FAQ

Can I maintain daily hygiene while wearing the Patch?

Absolutely. You can and should practice daily hygiene. Wash around the patch with mild soap and water, but avoid washing the patch directly. When you dry off after a shower or bath, gently blot around the patch area. Do not rub the towel aggressively over it.

Can I apply any products like lotions or oils to the area where the Patch is located?

No, refrain from applying lotions, oils, or creams to the site area of the patch. Keeping the area free from these products ensures the patch functions correctly.

Can I use tapes or bandages on the Patch?

Do not apply any tapes or bandages of any kind to the patch.

Is it okay to shave the application area?

Avoid shaving the area where the patch is applied.

When should I contact the CMS/Support office?

If any part of the outer overlay comes within a half inch (½”) from the outer edge, contact the CMS/Support office immediately. Monitoring the condition of the patch is crucial and is your responsibility.

Are reactions to the Patch common?

The patch is made from surgical grade products, and reactions are rare, occurring in less than 1% of users. While a mild itching sensation might be normal, any signs of rashes, burning, or blisters should be reported to the CMS/ Support office immediately.

How long is the Patch expected to last on my skin?

The patch typically lasts between 7-10 days, but it shouldn’t be worn for more than 14 days.

Are there consequences for tampering with the Patch?

Yes. Any attempts to expose, tamper, remove, destroy, or otherwise manipulate the patch, protective film, or overlay will result in a report to the referring agency. Such actions will deem the patch as Invalid/Positive, and it won’t be sent to the lab for testing.

I have general questions about my program, who do I call?

We recommend you call your agent that communicates with you regularly.

SCRAM CAM FAQ

Does the SCRAM bracelet make noise?

When the SCRAM CAM Bracelet takes a reading every 30 minutes, a light buzzing sound can be heard, but is generally reported to be “discreet.”

How do I connect the SCRAM Base Station?

The SCRAM Base Station can connect using a traditional landline, or your home Internet using Ethernet, the base station is not compatible with Wi-Fi. Start by plugging in the Base Stations power cord to a power source, when using a landline to communicate the data, plug the phone cord into the bottom under the phone symbol. When using Ethernet to communicate data plug the Ethernet cord into the bottom of the Base Station under the Ethernet symbol

What products should I refrain from using while wearing SCRAM CAM?

We recommend you avoid using any products on or near the bracelet that contain alcohol. The application of small quantities of cologne or perfume in areas far from the bracelet should not be problematic. Avoid lotions or any other products with alcohol on or near the bracelet.

Can I travel and go through TSA screening?

Whether or not you can travel and leave your current jurisdiction is up to your supervising agency. Please be sure to check first with your agent. We also recommend that you carry your paperwork that addresses your participation in a SCRAM CAM monitoring program. When passing through security, inform the TSA agent that you are wearing an electronic monitoring device that you cannot remove. The TSA agent may “swab” the bracelet and test it. However, you should be permitted to pass through security while wearing the SCRAM CAM Bracelet.

Is it safe to wear SCRAM CAM during an MRI, XRay, or CT scan?

You cannot wear a monitoring bracelet if you need an MRI. You will need to contact your supervising agent prior to a scheduled appointment to make arrangements to have the bracelet removed prior to the procedure. You should be able to wear your bracelet for routine x-rays and CT Scans. Consult your medical provider WELL IN ADVANCE. Your agent may have additional requirements.

Can I exercise with the bracelet on? Will it flop around and will that register as tampering?

Exercise will have no impact on the functions of the bracelet. For comfort, you might want to wear a sweat band or a sock rolled down to prevent the bracelet from “bouncing” on the ankle bone. Just make sure nothing gets between the bracelet and leg.

Can I wear boots or leggings?

You can’t wear anything that would go between the skin and the bracelet. You can wear boots, socks, or leggings over the top, but be cautious that boots could cause the bracelet to rub and even create a blister.

Will I set off alarms when I go through security checkpoints, like leaving a department or convenience store?

No. It’s no different than your cell phone or any other jewelry you might wear.

Can I shower? What about swimming or hot tubs?

While you are not allowed to submerge the bracelet in water (swimming pools, hot tubs, the bath tub), you can shower, and in fact you need to shower in order to keep the area around the bracelet clean.

Can I wear cologne or perfume?

We recommend that you avoid using any products on or near the bracelet that contain alcohol. The application of a small amount of cologne or perfume in areas far from the bracelet should not be problematic. But please be aware that if it does trigger an alcohol alert, you will be held accountable by your supervising agent. It is recommended you spray your clothes prior to dressing to avoid any potential issues.

What lotions can I wear?

Avoid lotions with alcohol on or near the bracelet.

Can I spray tan or use a tanning bed?

You may not spray tan or use a tanning bed.

Can I use a sauna or steam room?

No, you may not use a sauna or steam room.

Can I use hair color/hair dye?

We recommend that SCRAM CAM clients refrain from using any alcohol-containing products on or around the bracelet. Many clients are exposed to hair color and other similar products without any noticeable transdermal alcohol concentration (TAC) detections. When in doubt, we recommend reporting the questionable activity to your PO or supervising agent so that notes may be placed in your client record to take the activity into consideration while analyzing the data.

What if I kiss someone who has been drinking?

Kissing someone who has been drinking has no impact on SCRAM CAM testing or results.

What if I have intimate contact with someone who has been drinking?

Intimate contact with someone who has been drinking has no impact on SCRAM CAM testing or results.

I have general questions about my program, who do I call?

We recommend you call your agent that communicates with you regularly or call our Monitoring Center during regular business hours (406) 529-1789

I have an Emergency after hours, who do I call?

CMS takes Emergency calls during their afterhours 6pm-8am MST Monday – Friday and weekends, please save general questions for regular business hours.

A valid emergency needing to be addressed immediately can call the CMS Call-center, (406)529-1789

SCRAM GPS Bracelet FAQ

My bracelet vibrated what do I do?

Immediately plug in your GPS. If vibration ceases, continue to stay plugged in until your unit is fully charged. If vibration continues call your monitoring agent immediately or after hours at (406) 529-1789.

How do I know when my bracelet is fully charged?

Your bracelet will vibrate while you are charging AND you will see a solid green light indicating a full charge. This is to be done daily.

What if my charger isn’t working?

Call your monitoring agent, if this occurs after hours call our on-call staff at (406)529-1789.

What if my bracelet is beeping at me?

Immediately call your monitoring agent, if this occurs after hours call our on-call staff at (406) 529-1789.

How do I know if my bracelet is charging?

When you plug the charger into the bracelet, you should feel a vibrate. You will either see a flashing green light indicating it’s charging OR a solid red light.

My bracelet has a low battery and I can’t find my charger?

Call your monitoring agent, if this occurs after hours call our on-call staff at (406)529-1789.

How long should I charge for?

90 minutes consecutively everyday. Do not charge when sleeping.

Can I shower with my GPS on?

Yes you can shower and bathe as usual.

I have general questions about my program, who do I call?

We recommend you call your agent that communicates with you regularly.

SCRAM Remote Breath FAQ

Do I need to be in cellular service in order to take my tests?

No. When you are enrolled in the program, your entire testing schedule downloads onto the Remote Breath unit. As long as the unit is charged, it will automatically turn on at the time of your test and turn off after you take your test (and retests if necessary) or when your testing window ends. If you are not in cellular service, it will save those results until you are in service and send them at that point.

What if I’m out of cell service for an extended amount of time?

The Remote Breath device stores testing schedule’s allowing for tests to occur when no cell service is available. The device must be brought back into cell service every other day to allow for tests taken to automatically upload unless approved otherwise by your monitoring agent. If you let the machine’s battery deplete out of cell service it must immediately be brought back into service to continue operating.

What if I miss a test?

Inform your monitoring agent on the next available business day. You have a one hour window to take each of your tests.

What if I don’t receive my text notification for my test?

Text notifications are a courtesy feature and do not relieve you of the obligation to take your test if they are not received. When you are enrolled in the program you are provided your testing schedule. It is your responsibility to take all tests whether you receive your notification text or not.

What products should I refrain from using while using SCRAM Remote Breath?

We recommend you avoid using any products near the unit that contain alcohol. This includes any types of aerosols as well as refraining from using hand sanitizer immediately prior to taking a test. Do not eat or drink anything twenty minutes prior to taking a test.

Can I wash the breath tube included with my Remote Breath unit?

Yes. You can wash the breath tube with dish soap and water. DO NOT clean the breath tube with an alcohol wipe or any cleaning solution containing alcohol. If any alcohol remains at the time of your next test it will be detected and cause a failed test.

How do I know if my test sent?

If you blew into the machine when prompted, the camera flashed, the machine did not require a retest, and your machine states “Monitoring” you have completed your test.

My Remote Breath Unit is asking for a retest, what do I do?

Take the retests as directed on the machine. If you miss these it will constitute a missed test.

I have general questions about my program, who do I call?

We recommend you call your agent that communicates with you regularly or call our Monitoring Center during regular business hours (406) 529-1789

Allied GPS Bracelet

Someone I know or I have been ordered to be placed on GPS. What do I need to do?

Is the person still in jail? If yes, is there a bond? The bond needs to be paid before we can get someone out on GPS. If you are in jail and there is no bond in place or you are not in jail, please use our map to find and contact an agent closest to you. The agent will inform you of the cost and what you will need to do. Typically there is an installation fee and a per day cost that must be paid in advance.

Do I have to be court ordered to wear a GPS unit?

No. You may voluntarily participate in the GPS program. To get more information on how to voluntarily enroll in a GPS program, please contact the territory manager closest to you.

Is the GPS waterproof?

The GPS unit is waterproof up to 50ft.

My Bracelet vibrated and there are lights flashing. What do I do?

Your bracelet is informing you of an alarm. Look to see what LED is flashing to tell you of what you need to do.

Flashing Red PWR: Charge the GPS. You must charge the GPS within 30min of the flashing red PWR or the GPS will die and you will be in violation. Once the device is fully charged, it will vibrate once and the PWR LED will be solid green. Remove the charger.

Flashing Red GPS: Walk outside with the GPS uncovered to an area with a clear view of the sky. Don’t stand under trees, building awnings, etc. When the alarm has cleared, the GPS LED will be off.

Flashing Red ZONE: Either leave the location where you are not permitted to be or go to the location you are scheduled to be. When the alarm has cleared the Zone LED will be off.

Flashing Red, PWR, GPS, ZONE: Your agent has sent an alert for you to contact them. Press the Acknowledge Button to acknowledge the alert. The GPS and Zone LEDs will stop flashing and be off. The PWR LED will be flashing green.

Turn insight into action

If you’re looking for comprehensive solutions to implement or improve alcohol monitoring and court-ordered sobriety programs in your community, Compliance Monitoring Systems is here to help. With our state-of-the-art technology and commitment to accountability, we can help you make a meaningful impact on public safety.

Don’t wait to take the next step towards a safer, more secure community. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and find out how our services can benefit you.

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Compliance Monitoring Systems is committed to delivering dependable solutions that enhance community safety and individual accountability across Montana.

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