A chance meeting in 2006 became a pivotal event. José Demetrio, a French-speaking Swiss project manager for industrial security solutions and a trained electrician, was talking to the director of a large prison in western Switzerland. The latter was complaining about chronic overcrowding. Where was he supposed to put all the offenders? Many prisons worldwide are struggling with this issue. It’s a delicate matter, as it often involves far-reaching issues of national security. Demetrio’s conversation partner had a clear idea of what should be done to relieve law enforcement authorities: he believed that they needed better options for sentences to be partially served in a monitored form outside of prisons. But how could this be delivered without any hitches? Security measures such as electronic ankle tags are vulnerable. Standard models can be cut through with scissors in a matter of seconds, resulting in high costs for emergency police operations with significant residual risks.
Geosatis finds the solution and wins a major South African contract
José Demetrio decided to invent a solution himself. Together with a partner, he developed an innovative new electronic ankle tag. Geosatis SA was founded in 2011 and is based in Le Noirmont in the canton of Jura, Switzerland. The first prototype was soon ready. The ankle tag is made from extremely sturdy plastic, but is still comfortable to wear thanks to its light weight. The integrated intelligent software is user-friendly and guarantees reliable and comprehensive electronic monitoring of offenders away from prisons.
Geosatis opted for an aggressive export strategy and landed its first direct hit in South Africa. In 2014, the local government placed a major order for the electronic ankle tag. José Demetrio is convinced that South Africa is just the start. “There is huge potential for our invention on the global market.”
