More unexpected was his ability to circumvent the alcohol-monitoring ankle bracelet he wore by stuffing some plastic between this doodad and his skin, thereby preventing it from figuring out that he was loaded.
Why? Because that's not supposed to work, according to a Colorado company that's among the best-known manufacturers of these devices.
A primer for law enforcement created by Littleton's Alcohol Monitoring Systems touts the effectiveness of the bracelets' "obstruction sensor," which "detects materials inserted between the bracelet and the leg through comparisons with baseline IR readings taken when the device is first attached. Substantial changes in IR readings generate a potential tamper alert. Moreover, AMS staff can typically classify materials used to block the device (e.g., socks, plastic, bed sheets, etc.)."
Of course, it's possible that the person putting the bracelet on Mohamud did so incorrectly, thereby making it easier to outfox. Whatever the case, drunks who don't want to reform will still likely try to follow Mohamud.