5 Myths About Remote Supervision During Covid-19

There is an ongoing discussion among the courts, probation agencies, and treatment centers about remote supervision in the age of COVID-19. We get it. It’s difficult trying to supervise participants of alcohol treatment programs with courts opening and closing, and evolving social distancing guidelines. 

Even more confusing, it’s not clear how to go about building a remote monitoring program if you haven’t run one in the past.  To help clarify the path forward, we need to first dispel some of the common misconceptions about remote monitoring and how to deploy a new solution to test and monitor safely, affordably and reliably.

Myth 1 – You can’t test when courts are closed.

It’s true that some courts are remaining closed due to the pandemic, but many are making their way back to provide varying degrees of service. No matter which stage your court is currently in, remote alcohol monitoring is the answer to testing safely and affordably. 

The Justice Speakers Institute, the preeminent criminal justice organization composed of top judges and criminal justice experts, says:

“The LifeSafer^® Portable Alcohol Monitoring Device should be considered the most effective alcohol testing technology for courts supervising probationers with conditions that forbid the use of alcohol.” 

The LifeSafer PAM device meets all the criteria for best practices for alcohol testing and monitoring. No other technology used by courts, probation, or treatment centers can say that. Meeting or exceeding national standards for accuracy and reliability means saving time and higher program compliance.  Plus, it is the safest option since it is truly remote and requires a minimum of personal interaction. 

Myth 2 – Remote testing options are cost prohibitive.

It costs $2-$3 per day. Compared with other technologies used for testing, this is a very affordable option, especially when it also meets all the best practice criteria. 

Myth 3 – We can’t access monitoring reports when participants are remote.

The LifeSafer PAM device sends all participant data in real-time so you receive an immediate notification of violations and test results. And, GPS tracking lets you know where your participants are when testing. This feature not only gives you information if a participant is in a location where the temptation to drink is higher, but it also acts as a deterrent since they know you receive immediate information on their testing locations.

Myth 4 – We need to physically see a participant take a test.

The wide-angle camera on LifeSafer’s PAM device makes it easy to physically see a participant complete a test. You see the participant taking the test on the report. And, with the wide-angle you can see the surroundings in the background, making sure the participant isn’t putting themselves or others at risk. 

Myth 5 – Deploying a new monitoring technology is complicated and time consuming.

When you’re staring down a backlog of cases, launching a new technology or tool can feel like the last thing you have time for.  The LifeSafer Team makes it easy to pilot our Portable Alcohol Monitoring device. Our experts will hold your hand through the process, taking the time to understand your program’s unique requirements, and making sure your participants are set up for success.  3 easy steps is all it takes and you can be ready to start in 48 hours. And best of all, we do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.

Now that we’ve dispelled those myths, why not sign up for a product demonstration today? Click here to schedule a time for a live demo, either in person or via Zoom,  and a LifeSafer Portable Alcohol Monitoring expert will be in touch soon!

For more information about our PAM product, call us today!