Public security ministry fixes glitch with tracking bracelets for Quebec offenders

The Montreal courthouse on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

Technical problems arose earlier this week with certain GPS ankle bracelets imposed by the courts to protect victims of domestic violence or sexual exploitation.

The problems were brought to the attention of the Ministry of Public Security late Monday. They were resolved on Wednesday evening, according to the ministry, which says that no incidents were reported.

According to a press release issued by the ministry on Thursday, a problem with the cellular network infrastructure intermittently affected the communications of a number of bracelets.

The issue involved the communication of data between the bracelets and the monitoring platform. The ministry said that the bracelets themselves continued to function normally, so that they never stopped recording the wearer's position locally.

The Ministry of Public Security also stated that it had applied all the protocols in place during the period when the problems occurred. In particular, it contacted all the victims and followed up with the police forces as necessary.

Victims who have any questions about these technical issues can contact the person in charge of following up their case at the Correctional Professional Services Directorate.

The ankle bracelet is a geolocation tool used to prevent a person accused or convicted of an offence committed in a domestic context or sexual exploitation from approaching a victim or a specific area.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Dec. 12, 2024.