Rio Grande do Norte electronic monitoring signal interrupted

The signal for 340 electronic ankle bracelets in Rio Grande do Norte was interrupted on Monday, August 31, following a service suspension by the American company Track Group. The suspension affected the equipment operated by the Brazilian firm Tekgeo.

According to Tekgeo, the interruption was caused by an outstanding debt of approximately US$ 675,000 (roughly R$ 3.5 million) owed to the American provider. However, the Rio Grande do Norte Penitentiary Administration (Seap) stated that the state government is up to date with its financial and contractual obligations to Tekgeo, noting that the most recent invoice for July services was only issued on August 10.

While Tekgeo's contract with the state remains valid until September 30, the company is still responsible for migrating the remaining 340 active devices. The Electronic Monitoring Center (CEME) has already been working to replace these units in recent weeks. Affected users are instructed to schedule appointments for equipment replacement via a dedicated 0800 telephone number.

Rio Grande do Norte currently has approximately 3,900 active electronic monitoring devices. Seap reported that no breaches of the 340 affected bracelets occurred during the signal interruption and that measures are being taken to ensure public security and continuous monitoring.