Covert GPS tracking

GPS tracking law enforcement

According to a 2014 study released by the Yale Law Journal, using GPS tracking for covert tracking operations for law enforcement departments is incredibly less expensive than utilizing officers for covert tracking operations.  In fact, the study estimated the cost of GPS tracking to be 1000 times more affordable than tracking vehicles the old fashioned way, with officers trailing behind their target in unmarked vehicles.

In the study, the cost comparisons are dramatic– covert tracking using the standard 5 car surveillance box strategy is estimated to cost $275 dollars per hour, yet the cost of GPS tracking for law enforcement covert tracking can range from just 36-cents to around $5 per hour.

GPS tracking for law enforcement has been described as a “game changer” in the law enforcement community for both its cost effectiveness and the number of vehicles that can be tracked simultaneously.

The study included both cell phone GPS tracking units, and GPS tracking systems mounted to target vehicles.

Source:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2014/01/09/cell-phones-let-cops-track-people-for-a-thousandth-of-the-price-study-finds/

Visit www.trackingtheworld.com for more information on professional grade GPS tracking systems.

 

 

gps tracking bait bike

Some clever covert GPS tracking and a little public shaming is helping to reduce the big problem of bicycle theft in San Francisco. Plain clothed police officers are planting GPS equipped bicycles around the city, tracking bike thieves, and charging them.  A little public shame is part of the deal, with mugshots posted on Twitter under the hashtag #ThankYou4TakingOurBaitBike.  An estimated 4,000 bicycles have been stolen in San Francisco since 2012–triple the number of cell phones reported stolen for the same time period.

Source:  http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/police-use-bait-bikes-gps-technology-public-twitter-shaming-fight-bike-theft/#!YB3xH

 

covert GPS semi

LandLine Magazine recently reported that a covert GPS tracking device allowed police in Florida to track and recover a tractor trailer containing clothing items.  The trailer was stolen as it sat unattended in a truck stop parking lot.   The retail shipment, abandoned by the thieves suspected to be monitoring police traffic,  was tracked to a location only 30 miles from where it was stolen.  According to the article, Florida has the highest percentage of cargo theft, clothing theft adds up to more than $300,000 per year, and  approximately 85% of thefts occur due to rigs left running and unattended by their drivers.

Source:  http://www.landlinemag.com/Story.aspx?StoryID=26484#.UvVC2-mPLIU

 

 

Old SLR

Similar to just about every other electronic device, GPS tracking devices are becoming smaller and smaller with each advancement in technology.  With the decreased sizes of GPS trackers, consumers are able to track smaller devices such as electronics like cameras and laptops.

Recently, an Arizona man realized the value of tracking smaller items of value after his home was burglarized.  During the burglary, approximately $10-thousand dollars in jewelry along with a camera and other electronics were stolen.  Due to the micro GPS tracking devices installed on the stolen camera, and satellite imagery provided by GPS tracking software, the victim was able to view the location of the suspect’s car and even identify in which area of the suspect’s home his belongings were being stored.

Although authorities were able to recover most of the victim’s belonging based on the GPS tracking information, some of his wife’s jewelry was not recovered.  Authorities suspect it could have been pawned shortly after the crime.  A suspect is in custody.

Source:  http://www.kctv5.com/story/24512811/gps-tracking-device-on-stolen-items-leads-to-arrest

 

Here are two of the latest GPS tracking news updates we’ve found around the Web today:

 

GPS smart watch

The FiLIP

Just when Samsung is making James Bond-ish watches popular again, AT&T has announced it will release a GPS tracking equipped smartwatch for kids which will use geo-fencing to alert parents when a child leaves his or her predetermined safe zone, and will enable parents to see their child’s location at any time provided the child is wearing the tracker. Known as the FiLIP, the GPS tracking device for kids is also capable of voice communication with up to 5 numbers which are preprogrammed by parents.  There’s also a panic button that, when pressed for 3 seconds, will cause the device to begin dialing contact numbers.

 

gps tracking china

 

China to Use GPS Tracking on Government Cars

In an effort to curb abuse by public officials, China will begin installing GPS tracking devices on thousands of government vehicles.  The move comes partly in response to criticism for supposed widespread corruption and flamboyant lifestyles among government officials.   Guangzhou, a city in southern China, took on a similar project for fleet tracking of government vehicles in 2011.  The city now reports that it saves more than $6 million dollars per year due to the GPS tracking systems.

Source: http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-china-to-install-gps-in-government-cars-to-track-misuse/1767568.html

 

GPS tracking handcuffs

Here’s another bit of GPS tracking news…after police suspected a pair of Michigan men of breaking into homes and stealing valuables, they obtained a search warrant to place a covert tracking device on the suspect vehicle.  Some time later, the vehicle was determined to have been at another home which had also been burglarized.  Utilizing the vehicle tracking device and GPS tracking software, authorities were able to apprehend the suspects (after one fled), who later confessed to a string of burglaries.  Both men have since been sentenced to prison.

Source: http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/07/gps_tracker_leads_to_prison_ti.html

 

GPS Tracker Enduro Pro in Optional Hibernating Battery Pack

If you’ve ever been interested in starting your own GPS tracking business, you’ve probably wondered if you should market tracking devices to any and all consumers, or specialize in a specific market.  While many GPS dealers successfully launch businesses with no particular tracking market in mind, there are also successful and growing  niche market options.  And, one of the most profitable and growing markets within the GPS tracking industry is covert tracking.

Here are a few tips for getting started with a covert GPS tracking business:

Know your Customers

As with any growing business, it is important to understand who is interested in your products and why.  For covert GPS tracking, you will likely  find that law enforcement departments, government entities, military operations and private detectives comprise most of your customer list.  Since covert tracking usually involves vehicle tracking GPS trackers are widely used to save human resources by reducing the need for 24-7 human surveillance.

GPS Tracking Software for Covert Tracking 

As one of the most important features of any covert tracking operation, the quality and capabilities of the GPS tracking software used absolutely must meet the needs of the operation. For covert tracking needs, features such as detailed mapping options, geo-fencing, and automated emergency alert settings are essential.

Covert Tracking Hardware

GPS trackers used for covert operations must be equipped to meet the physical rigors of the task at hand.  For covert tracking needs, GPS trackers that are weather-resistant, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, and durable enough to tolerate continuous use are important.  Another deciding factor is the availability of an extended life battery pack to increase tracking time between charges, and other accessories.

For More Information

TrackingTheWorld exclusively specializes in GPS tracking devices and hardware.  If you’re interested in launching your own GPS tracking business in the market of covert GPS tracking or another area, please contact us today at 650-692-8100.

GPS tracking lightbulbToday’s business owners are utilizing GPS tracking systems as an effective business management tool for cutting costs and operating more efficiently.  If you currently use GPS trackers, or you are interested in purchasing them for your daily business operations, here are a few suggestions for helping you get the most from this technology investment.

Extended Life Battery Packs

Understanding the benefits of GPS tracking battery packs will allow you to benefit more from your GPS tracking investment. Many trackers now come with the option of purchasing an extended life battery pack, which typically consists of a self-contained, magnetic case containing a larger battery and space for housing the tracking unit.  By connecting your tracker with this supplemental power source, you will dramatically increase the amount of time your GPS tracker can operate without a charge.

For those using GPS for covert tracking, such as private investigations or law enforcement operations, battery packs for GPS tracking systems provide a compact and discreet method of powering trackers, entirely unattended for days or even weeks at a time.  This extended “up time” conserves financial resources by requiring less manpower and reduces the likelihood of an investigation being compromised.

GPS Tracking Software

Understanding what GPS tracking software can do for your business is an important factor in getting the most from your GPS tracking systems.  From generating reports on the location of each vehicle within your fleet to automated mileage reporting, GPS tracking software can change the way you do business.  Understanding features such as historical data archiving, reporting options, and geo-fencing can help you determine how to best utilize GPS tracking devices.

Selecting GPS Trackers

To get the most benefits from GPS tracking systems, it’s key to understand how you plan to use them.  For example, it is important to know whether or not you need a tracker that can be used in extreme temperatures, if you need a waterproof tracker, how often you expect to receive position updates, how accurate you need the tracker to be, and if accessories such as extended life battery packs are available.

GPS trackers are an excellent investment for many businesses.  By understanding their features, tracking software, and determining how you plan to use GPS before you purchase, you can assure that you will make the right choice for your business.

This week, the Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld the use of a covert GPS tracker installed by police in the vehicle of a man suspected of burglaries in 2007. Using the GPS tracker installed on the vehicle police were able to place and apprehend the suspect at the scene of a burglary where additional evidence was found.

The tracking device was installed after a warrant was obtained, however the suspect’s defense included that the use of the GPS tracker exceeded the scope of the warrant due to its real time tracking capabilities.   In a majority ruling the court found that the use of the GPS tracker by police was covered by the warrant.

Source:  http://gazettextra.com/news/2013/feb/07/high-court-oks-cops-gps-use-burglary-case/

The Telegraph, a British newspaper, reported today that the use of GPS trackers and private investigators for tracking cheating spouses is on the rise.  The article details individual cases where high tech and PI work has helped suspected spouses find out for sure if their husband or wives are having an affair.

GPS tracker devices are routinely used for tracking cheating spouses.  Click below to read the full article.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/relationships/8886431/I-spy…-something-beginning-with-adultery.html