Rocky Mountain Tracking

by James Neely - freelance writer

GPS tracking has become a part of our society that many people rely on daily to aid them in their jobs. In particular, police officers are recognizing the benefits of using GPS technology to help them track the movements of criminal suspects. For only a small monetary investment, departments can add another pair of eyes to their force—a pair of eyes that doesn’t need to sleep or take breaks, but rather can be on the job 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. By attaching a GPS transmitter to a person’s car, police can have an accurate record of that person’s movements including addresses visited and length of time at each stop. Some states even have laws requiring GPS tracking of known sex offenders after their release from prison.

While some have argued that GPS tracking without consent or a warrant violates an individual’s Fourth Amendment right to privacy, supporters of the idea point out that the only information gathered is that which could be noted by any observer in the public sphere. A GPS device might go with a person into his garage, for instance, but any police officer could also observe the suspect’s car entering and leaving the garage, and take note of how long it was there. Opponents argue that attaching a device to someone’s personal property (such as a car) amounts to an inherent privacy violation.

A recent court ruling in Wisconsin agreed with those who support GPS tracking of suspected criminals. Although urging protection against abuse of such technology, the court determined that police are within Constitutional limits when they attach a GPS tracking device to a person’s car in order to monitor movements. Such ability proves useful when investigating stalking charges, violation of restraining orders or probation, or suspected drug related activity.

Without question, public safety can be promoted by means of GPS tracking. As is true with any technology, steps must be taken to prevent misuse or abuse of the new capabilities and police departments should be aware of the potential pitfalls. However, the benefits to law enforcement are innumerable. That extra pair of eyes could mean the difference between rescuing a kidnapped child and arriving at the scene of the crime too late. For police forces who often have too few personnel to follow every suspect, GPS tracking may be a way to conserve man hours and resources, while still accomplishing the primary goal of protecting the citizenry.

By Greg Bartlett

The focus on environmental friendliness has increased in recent years. Concerns about global warming and conserving the earth’s resources have caused many individuals and companies to make efforts to be “green.” And for some companies, that effort is complicated. On the one hand, customers are happy if they know that the company they are dealing with is environmentally friendly. On the other hand, they might not even notice “green” efforts, efforts which can cost the company money and time.

However, there are options that can save company money and resources while helping the environment. With GPS monitoring, companies can monitor their vehicles, conserve resources, and provide more efficient service to their customers.

One way to be environmentally friendly is to use less fuel. Okay, good enough – you can walk to work since it’s just around the corner. But what about companies which rely on delivery? Customers won’t be happy if the companies send their deliveries out by foot, and foot travel can be very inefficient, so that’s not an option for everything. Anyone who has to travel very far will also debate the practical value of saving fuel over getting to their destination quickly. But companies can cut down on the amount of fuel they use while driving.

With GPS monitoring, the companies can track their drivers and help them find the most efficient routes, saving time and fuel that would be wasted if the driver doesn’t know the best roads to travel or has new stops added and needs to find the new most efficient route.

Companies can use GPS monitoring to plan the best routes and account for unpredicted stops along the way. Better planning means more efficient routes, and more efficient routes mean faster service, happier customers, and less waste of the earth’s resources.

GPS monitoring of vehicles can also assist companies in monitoring their equipment. Equipment which is used while needing repairs wastes energy. GPS devices can help monitor vehicles and other pieces of equipment, giving the company closer awareness and control over the condition of the equipment, which can then be repaired before it uses excess energy.

Being environmentally friendly, helping customers, and saving money and resources is possible, not contradictory. GPS monitoring will not only help your company become more environmentally friendly and more efficient, it will save you money by ensuring that your drivers are using company resources correctly and economically.

By Greg Bartlett

Unfortunately, in this technological and electronic age, identity theft has become common. Information stored electronically has become much easier for individuals to steal and exploit. Many people take precautions such as shredding sensitive documents and using passwords on computers. But then their laptop is stolen, and all that effort is wasted – someone now has information that can be misused, especially if that laptop was a business laptop.

Laptop Security

One identity theft study noted that a laptop is stolen every 12 seconds, and commercial and government laptops are routinely among those stolen. The amount of information on these computers can be devastating to millions of individuals. For instance, two computers stolen from one state government resulted in information on about 1.25 million people being lost. Other stolen laptops contain information on fewer people, but can still reveal sensitive records for thousands of individuals per laptop. The study claimed that since January 2008, almost 4.3 billion records have been lost because of stolen laptops.

Identity theft protection experts try to work with government institutions, businesses, and individuals to help protect sensitive information. Protecting laptops is a big part of that, especially for governments and businesses. Even for students on college campuses, where laptop theft can be especially prevalent, losing a laptop is a security hazard, not even counting all the lost data such as class notes and paper preparations.

Experts recommend using GPS devices to keep track of laptops, especially those with vital information. In fact, one identity theft protection expert claims that GPS devices are the single most effective laptop theft deterrent.

Individuals want to protect their own identity. To do this, they can help protect themselves with GPS tracking devices in their electronics, whether it is a laptop used for personal reasons or school purposes. But all their efforts may be pointless if governments and businesses don’t also use GPS devices to protect their laptops. Any laptop used to store personal or sensitive information should be secured, protected, and able to be tracked.

Identity theft is catastrophic to everyone involved. Individuals may have their credit ruined or worse, and governments and companies can lose money with lawsuits and even just notifying everyone about the identity theft. But the expense and hassle of dealing with stolen personal information can be avoided with the use of GPS devices in laptops, keeping sensitive data out of the wrong hands.

By Greg Bartlett

A couple summers ago, my dad cut himself with a chainsaw and we had to wait around anxiously for someone to come and help him since none of us knew anything about medical procedures. Even though help was just a few minutes away, it seemed to take a long time before anyone arrived. Like us, anyone who has ever called 911 for an emergency knows the anxiety of waiting for that emergency vehicle to arrive. Whether you need police to deal with a dangerous situation, an ambulance to help with a medical crisis, or firefighters to stop your home from burning, you need help and you need it immediately. Every minute that passes before the emergency vehicle arrives could mean the difference between life and death.

In the world of emergency vehicles, every second counts. So the dispatchers need to know exactly where each vehicle is at all times. Then, when someone dials 911, the closest vehicle can be sent to the site as quickly as possible. If GPS tracking devices are used to monitor the emergency vehicles, dispatchers can look at computer screens to locate each vehicle and determine which is closest. Dispatchers can have a vehicle at the scene much faster than if they are relying on many other forms of tracking, such as radio responses by the emergency vehicles.

For instance, in Minnesota, emergency vehicles have been able to reach emergencies faster now that they are being monitored and dispatched using GPS tracking. Officials have seen significant decreases in response time. In fact, by being able to locate the closest vehicles, one police station was able to save the lives of some of its officers who were involved in dangerous situations, such as chases with armed suspects, by providing backup almost immediately.

GPS devices can monitor patrolling emergency vehicles, sending the precise information about their location to the dispatcher. When a call is made, the dispatcher can not only find the closest appropriate vehicle and determine the length of time to arrive, but can also help the driver by finding the fastest route. By increasing speed and efficiency, GPS tracking can also save lives.

Although the GPS devices don’t save people every day, the important thing is that they do save people. By cutting down response time and reducing the number of seconds between the call and arrival on the scene, GPS tracking can save the lives of emergency personnel, victims, civilians, patients, and others.

by James Neely - freelance writer

Here is a statement that might be met with some controversy: factory installed GPS Tracking systems need to be implemented into every new vehicle that is manufactured. The purpose of which is to be able to supply data on the whereabouts of the vehicle should it become stolen or lost.

The benefits. With these units attached to a vehicle, the instance of loss and misuse would drop dramatically. While GPS Navigation systems offer some of these benefits, the ability to monitor in real-time is the most useful. GPS Tracking systems do the best job at this task.

Law enforcement personnel are deluged with cases that are more important than theft and recover of stolen items. If you have had the unfortunate circumstance of having to engage them in this process, then you understand. This can be especially frustrating if there is not enough evidence to even develop leads in the case. And, the allocation of resources is severely crippled without evidence.

With an onboard GPS Tracking system, vehicles and other equipment can be monitored by the owners. Even if the unit becomes disconnected from a power source, it continues to emit a signal.

A further benefit is in the lowering of insurance premiums. Insurance agencies that experience a drop in risk can pass along savings to customers in this manner. They wish that every insured item could be tracked in this way. In fact, in the future, you might see them become mandatory by insurance carriers in order to obtain insurance in the first place.

Being able to track in real-time is invaluable. But other units can provide historical or demand-only data. This can be equally as beneficial in the effort of maintaining control over assets and property.

No matter which unit is selected, money can be saved and the risk of insuring is decreased. While these units cannot in and of themselves prevent all losses, they can help foster a more positive environment and reduce the possibilities to the degree that this type of behavior is directed elsewhere.

One of the points of debate is whether these are a good deterrent to criminal activities. It can be argued that they are and further that the items on which GPS Tracking systems are used should be labeled as such so that those who might be tempted to steal them have an idea of what can happen if the attempt is made.

By Greg Bartlett

My dad’s a scoutmaster, and my brother’s an Eagle Scout. We’ve been camping ever since I can remember, and every time we camp it involves some sort of hike. Then, of course, we go backpacking routinely, and my mom loves to go on day hikes and brings all of us with her. So, hiking is very common in my family. Thankfully, none of us has ever gotten lost for more than a few minutes.

But what happens to hikers who do get lost? If they’re like my dad and brother, they can probably find their way out. In fact, one Eagle Scout in New Hampshire recently did exactly that. When he got lost and his one day hike turned into a three day hike, the seventeen-year-old made fires and searched for a way out, surviving with practically no injuries until he was rescued by search teams. But not everyone is an Eagle Scout. So how do non Eagle Scouts hike safely?

Actually, the answer’s fairly simple. When hiking, especially when hiking alone, make sure you take a cell phone or something else with a GPS device. Just in case you do get lost, it’s also a good idea to take water and possibly food as well, depending on how far out you are hiking.

So let’s say you do take water, some food, and your cell phone. You’ve even hiked this area before, but this time you slip, fall, and hurt yourself and you can’t walk back. So what happens now? You can call someone to rescue you, of course. But the phone also has another purpose. Cell phones usually have a GPS device inside them, and rescuers can use the GPS technology to find your precise location, which is very helpful since you don’t want to have to wait around for hours while the rescue team searches for you.

For instance, in Phoenix a man recently fell while hiking and fractured his ankle. He called 911 immediately, but he wasn’t sure of his exact location, and neither was the rescue team. However, they used the GPS device inside his phone to locate him and bring him to safety. The hiker wasn’t alone, and he did have water with him – he had all the right things. But the GPS tracking in his cell phone made the biggest difference.

So don’t be afraid to go out and enjoy a hike, even if you’re not an Eagle Scout. Just be sure to take along a GPS device.

by James Neely - freelance writer

Investigating people for hire is a sometimes an unseemly business. Those who do so must have an extra layer of insulation against the feelings of being a little sleazy. But, this small area of society has its mundane aspects and needs the benefits that can be provided by GPS Tracking systems.

Gathering information and data on a person of interest requires tedious work. An investigator needs every advantage that they can legally use. GPS Tracking systems are but one tool in their arsenal, but arguably can be the most effective.

When it comes to tracking the movements of people, attaching a simple, standalone GPS Tracking device to a vehicle is one of the best uses of this technology.

By verifying location, direction and speed, an investigator can put together a report showing a person’s whereabouts with incredible accuracy.

Whether it is a cheating spouse, or a person engaged in illegal activities, evidentiary support is needed to back up claims made. Many times police agencies will not pursue leads or accusations against someone unless there is more than ample probable cause to even begin the investigation process.

Adhering to legal standards must be maintained or cases get thrown out and the work is done in vain.
Police use of GPS Tracking devices prove that they are effective in being able to add to the list of evidence against an accused. Courts are in the midst of trying to determine the constitutional nature of the use of these information gathering units.

Private investigators often find themselves operating outside of known laws or accepted activities. Their goal is to serve their client first by delivering information and data. Then, the person who has hired them must determine what to do with that information.

In either case, the ability of a GPS Tracking system in obtaining information is priceless. It falls into the category of holding people accountable for their actions. If those actions are along the lines of moral acts and not illegal, then chances are high that a relationship is at stake and before accusations are thrown about, evidence is required to make sure they are indeed based in fact.

There is little doubt that GPS Tracking systems have their place, but caution is in order in their use and application for investigative purposes. An old saying goes “those who live by the sword, die by the sword.” Being engaged in activities in support of obtaining information in an unseemly way puts one in a position that they would rather not find themselves. Sometimes, however, for the sake of integrity, it must be done.

By Harriette Halepis

Do you travel with your golf clubs? While thousands of people travel with their clubs every single day, many of them do not bother to protect their clubs from potential harm. Aside from protecting the outside of your clubs, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that your clubs arrive safe and sound.

Unless you can take a bus, car, or train to your destination, you will probably have to fly with your clubs. The problem is that luggage tends to become tossed and damaged during, after, and before a flight. Baggage handlers aren’t exactly known for being careful with cargo, which can translate into damaged clubs.

One way to avoid any damage is to purchase a soft or hard shell golf bag. A soft shell golf bag will provide some protection for your clubs, though a hard shell bag is probably a better idea. Of course, a hard shell bag will cost a lot more, but hey – your clubs are worth it.

Even if you decide to invest in that tougher bag, your clubs could still become damaged during flight. The only way to avoid this is to ship your clubs to your intended destination before you take off. There are a lot of different shippers that will gladly transport your clubs for you, but this doesn’t mean that your clubs won’t get lost.

The one way to ensure that your clubs wind up where they should be is to place a GPS tracker inside of your golf bag. This tracking device will allow you to keep your eye on your bag no matter where it may wind up.

In addition, many different shippers provide real-time tracking of important cargo items, so make sure to ask about this option. Still, you’ll want to make sure that your clubs are safely packed away inside a soft or hard shell bag.

Also, don’t forget that your clubs can suffer from internal damage if you are not careful. During travel, your clubs might bump against each other causing small dings. To prevent this from happening, invest in some good quality club heads.

Chances are that you paid a lot for your set of golf clubs, so why not protect them? Heading off on a golf vacation is a great way to see what the world’s golf courses have to offer. Just make sure that your prized clubs are in perfect shape, so that you can work on your swing when you arrive at your vacation destination.

By Greg Bartlett

Most of us have seen movies or TV shows of police investigations. The police officers may have to follow a suspect daily in order to collect the necessary information and monitor the suspect to ensure that crimes are not committed. But what if there’s an easier way rather than following suspects around in cars or on foot? Could electronic devices track suspects for the police?

A GPS tracking device can do exactly that. It can follow suspects, monitoring their location and activities. Usually the tracking device is installed on the suspect’s vehicle, but sometimes police officers are able to track other items belonging to the suspect.

Police officers have routinely obtained warrants and attached a GPS tracking device to a suspect’s vehicle, monitoring the whereabouts and activities of the suspect without having to keep visual contact. In fact, if all the police officers are monitoring is the location of the suspect, they can do this from a distance with computers.

A GPS tracking device has already helped in the capture of a man stalking his former girlfriend. Police were able to monitor his activates and apprehend him before he injured his ex-girlfriend. Police in another state monitored a man for about two months and, by using the information gathered from the GPS device, were able to charge him with robbery.

There is some concern about the invasion of privacy when using GPS devices to monitor suspects. One court says that warrantless GPS monitoring does not violate the 4th Amendment since it does not constitute actual search and seizure. Another court denied a warrantless use of GPS monitoring, saying that it went against all expectations of privacy. While the courts are still wrestling with the legality of warrantless GPS tracking of suspects, police officers don’t have to stop taking advantage of GPS devices. Instead, all they need to do is obtain warrants first so that they can protect the privacy of individuals while still investigating suspects and protecting the community.

The realm of police investigations fascinates many of us, especially the idea of watching and following suspects to find out what they’re doing and where they’re going. But in today’s technology age, that monitoring doesn’t have to be done with an officer physically present. Instead, by using a GPS tracking device after receiving a warrant, police officers can more effectively monitor suspects without putting themselves in danger. Technology can help police officers make our community a safer place.

By Harriette Halepis

The UK Sekonda RS Feva National Regatta is a major event amongst sailing enthusiasts and fans alike. Sailing has become extremely popular as of late, with more than fifty boats expected to enter the Regatta by race day.

In order to appease anxious fans, all of the boats that are part of the RS Feva Regatta will be equipped with GPS tracking devices. These devices will allow fans to track the progress of favourite boats from the comfort of their own homes.

As soon as the GPS tracking has been activated, a web link that can be accessed by all fans will be announced on the Class Association site. This is big news for Regatta fans that (up until this point) had to rely on post-dated news in order to find out where each boat stood in the race.

Thanks to GPS tracking technology, all boat performances will now be tracked live online. While there has been some controversy surrounding GPS technology in the news lately, this Regatta proves that the devices do, indeed, have many unique purposes.

The GPS trackers that will be onboard the regatta boats are waterproof, sturdy, and able to withstand harsh winds, mighty waves, and the occasion dousing of salty water. No matter what course a boat might be on, fans across the world will be watching the race online.

In addition to being a great way to keep up with race statistics, the trackers onboard each boat will also provide emergency crews with exact locations should an accident occur. While it is expected to be smooth sailing for most contestants, accidents can occur during any boat race.

Should a boat veer off course, rescuers will be able to locate any boat with the help of each GPS tracker. This assurance is something that has never been present before, but it is a welcomed addition. Needless to say, both crews and fans are thrilled at the new technological addition to this traditional race.

Thus far, the competition already signed up for the Feva Regatta is looking rather stiff. With more competitors expected to make the sign-up deadline, fans can expect a great show this time around. If you can’t make it to the regatta, make sure to monitor all the race action online.