By Greg Bartlett

The three keys to a successful security operation are force capability, force coverage, and force communication. The first two are easy: just make sure you have adequate security personnel that can observe the entirety of the protected area. Communication, however, has historically presented a host of difficulties. In the past, field units trying to convey the “who”, “where”, and “what” to decision makers have made use of everything from smoke signals to walkie talkies. But today their job is becoming easier with the introduction of GPS tracking devices.

GPS trackers quickly take care of the “who” and the “where”. A comprehensive GPS management system will pinpoint the location of each specific unit in the field, letting those with GPS tracking devices concentrate on communicating the “what” of any given situation.

A fine example of how GPS tracking devices are being integrated into security operations is the preparation for Singapore’s upcoming National Day Parade. On August 9th, the little island city known for its technical prowess will be celebrating its 44th anniversary. This year all staff and security involved in the country’s biggest parade will have access to a secure online portal that will provide all the tracking information they could need.

GPS tracking devices embedded in two-way radio units will allow dispatchers to monitor the location of every security officer across the city. Security personnel will receive ongoing situation updates through PDA’s and adjust their positions accordingly. Dispatchers will also be able to relay what they see from closed-circuit security cameras placed around parade areas.

Other parade staff will be given GPS tracking devices as well. Those who ride along with buses of school children heading to parade areas will be able to collaborate with dispatchers on the best and least congested routes through the city. Dispatchers will also be coordinating medical personnel placed along the parade route, giving them directions and placing them strategically around the city.

All of this will be accomplished by the dispatchers with a simple map-like interface that shows security personnel as little flags moving about the city. The organizers have managed to integrate the GPS tracking devices into the current communications system with software upgrades and minimal hardware changes, saving taxpayers money while demonstrating the adaptability of an effectively designed tracking system.

Of course, security operations aren’t the only area to benefit from GPS trackers. Any public or private organization seeking to organize and direct employees spread out in the field can certainly make use of a customized fleet management system.