Rocky Mountain Tracking

By Greg Bartlett

GPS trackers have become headline news in the last several years and the steps that they have taken in technology have been absolutely phenomenal. Nowadays, even your cell phone could be used to track you if necessary and some of the more advanced Blackberries and other products can easily be traced to find your location. One online program makes it possible for you to program any phone of your choice with GPS capability so that you can find it at any time you want.

GPS Tracking Uses

A GPS tracker can help you to watch your employees and their travel time to and from a client’s house. It can also let you know where your children or wife are at all times, whether you simply want to know for information’s sake, or even if you have had problems with them in the past. GPS can also tell you information about your vehicle, how fast it is driving, where it is, and how long it has stayed in one location. There are many options available with GPS tracking, but it depends on what you need it for.

GPS tracking is an exciting new technology, but it doesn’t require a lot of work on the part of the user in order to make it work. All you need to do is simply buy the device and activate it. Once you have completed that, it will do the rest of the work, sending the signals to a series of satellites that will then transfer the information to a computer. The data is then organized on the computer and used as necessary.

GPS tracking can also be used to track animals, such as in the case of a group of scientists with a wolf pack. These scientists wanted to keep an eye on the wolves, as their population has been dwindling in the state of Oregon, and to be sure that they were still doing well. Another use of a GPS tracker has been to recover stolen trucks. Companies have been able to recover several thousands of dollars worth of materials as a result of this tracking program and the program has become very useful.

Although these specific examples may not apply to you, a GPS tracker could be very helpful to you for a variety of reasons. There are several options available online to you; all you have to do is to start looking.

By Greg Bartlett

It seems that we can always count on there being a story or two that involve high profile celebrities or organizations being the target of a stalker every few months. While a variety of industries, non-profits, research groups, and private individuals have put GPS trackers to incredible use, some still abuse the technology for whatever reason. According to a Bureau of Justice Statistics survey (note: pdf link), roughly 14 adults out of every 1,000 were victims of some degree of stalking. This could include repeated harassment at work, unsolicited personal messages online, or actual shadowing. The vast majority of victims know the stalker personally. GPS trackers play a role in very few of these cases, but the technology can certainly pose a temptation to those individuals unbalanced by events in their personal lives. Several situations have made the news recently.

GPS Trackers & Stalking

Last year, former Giants player Michael Strahan secretly placed a GPS tracker on his girlfriend’s car, accusing her of cheating when it was discovered. The couple had demonstrated serious relationship issues in the months prior, and the incident certainly didn’t help. Now short one girlfriend, perhaps Strahan could have learned from the example of MLB player Albert Belle, who in 2006 made repeated threats to his ex-girlfriend and had her monitored with a GPS tracker as well. This was a far more serious case, necessitating the involvement of the police and a restraining order. Ironically, the judge ordered that Belle be electronically monitored to ensure his compliance with court orders.

Perhaps less serious-but still illegal-are the occasional pranks played with GPS trackers. The blogosphere thought it had discovered once such joke recently, where two German artists claimed to have hidden a GPS tracker on a Google Street View van and were following it around Berlin. This comes after months of pranks on Street View vehicles-people have followed, harassed, or otherwise disrupted the camera-equipped cars since the program began. This case, however, turned out to be a hoax. The artists had hoped to raise awareness about paranoia by stirring up some themselves.

For genuine instances of stalking, there are a few things you can do to keep from becoming a victim. If you believe that you are being followed or harassed, then inform your close friends and family so they can keep an eye out for you. Keep a record of encounters, and if you feel secure enough in a public place-perhaps with a good friend-confront your stalker when possible. Be firm, and go to the police if the stalking continues. You can find other good advice here.

By Harriette Halepis

Ever since it was discovered that a simple GPS Tracker could save an Alzheimer’s patient from serious injury or death, a hot debate has been brewing. Some people argue that attaching a GPS tracker to an Alzheimer’s patient is inhumane. Others see GPS trackers as the only way to keep tabs on an elderly person at all times.

GPS Tracking & Alzheimers

Time and time again Alzheimer’s patients have died while wandering outside in cold weather. Many others have become lost while wandering too far away from home. Even though it has been proven that a GPS tracker can save a person’s life, this fact has not dissuaded some people from arguing that placing a tracking device on a person without that person’s knowledge is simply not right.

Some argue that placing a person with Alzheimer’s inside of a special care facility is the best course of action. However, most of these facilities use some type of tracking or warning bell device to prevent patients from leaving hospital grounds. Further, very few Alzheimer’s patients are aware that they have been placed inside of a special home, and this is just as much a violation of rights as any tracking device.

Still, the debate remains rather heated as more and more states across the nation consider the mandatory implementation of GPS tracking devices for Alzheimer’s patients. Many law enforcement officials feel that these trackers would prevent certain death and injury, while many more argue that forcing a person to wear a GPS tracking bracelet is illegal.

While both sides of this debate are valid, something must be done about Alzheimer’s deaths that could have been avoided with the help of GPS trackers. Is it humane to attach a GPS tracker to an Alzheimer’s patient? Is it humane not to try and prevent deaths that are caused by wandering? These questions remain unanswered, though it’s clear that an end to the Alzheimer’s vs. GPS tracking debate must be in sight.

Otherwise, it’s safe to assume that those who can afford to place Alzheimer’s patients in special care will also be able to prevent death, while those who cannot afford a care facility will have to decide between GPS trackers and the possibility of a loved one wandering away from home. It may not seem entirely humane to force an Alzheimer’s patient to wear a GPS tracker, but is it really any more humane to allow an accident to happen that could have been easily prevented?

By Harriette Halepis

Earth Times.org, February 2009, Athens Greece - Police in Athens, Greece, are puzzled at the recent ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) attacks that have been occurring within the country over the past year. Robbers have been attempting to rob ATMs of as much cash as possibly by breaking into the machines. In fact, the European Network estimates that “…physical attacks to ATMs in Europe increased in the period between September 2008 and August 2009 by 32%…(Earth Times).”

GPS & ATM

In order to combat these attacks, Mellon Technologies in conjunction with Easy Systems is offering the Greek government the help of some very sophisticated GPS trackers. These trackers will be installed on various ATMs throughout Greece (and other countries). Not only will the trackers be able to pinpoint the exact location of an ATM, but they will also be able to detect temperature of shock changes.

In other words, if a thief attempts to crack into an ATM with a crowbar, those ATMs outfitted with GPS trackers will alert authorities right away. With the help of security cameras that are already installed on most ATMs, police should be able to find thieves within a matter of moments. The GPS trackers in question can be installed on any kind of ATM (regardless of model, size, or manufacturer), which means that nearly every ATM in Europe can now be tracked.

ATMs are also targeted throughout North America, though the number of ATM break-ins in North America is not nearly as high as the number of break-ins throughout Europe. In most North American instances, thieves tend to rob ATM customers, though most machines are left in-tact. In Europe, the opposite seems to be true, since many ATM customers never face a thief, though some thieves have attempted to move entire machines.

The reasoning behind these recent ATM attacks is relatively unknown, though many speculate that it has to do with the recent economy. Many countries within Europe have been thoroughly impacted by tough financial times, and this often leads to crime. Many European countries are hoping that the new GPS tracking systems will deter thieves from attacking ATMs, though the result of this new system will not be revealed until next year. The GPS trackers will be installed throughout Europe within the next few months.

By Greg Bartlett

Most people who buy GPS trackers for their property and assets will often consider the cost a bit of personal insurance. The technology can certainly help protect or recover items in case of loss or theft. Investment in a GPS tracker can seem small in comparison to the cost of losing a vehicle or other valuable property. Yet what if purchasing and installing GPS tracking technology could also save you money on your monthly insurance premiums?

GPS Tracking & Insurance

Fact is, it can. Insurance companies recognize GPS trackers as simple yet effective way of safeguarding all sorts of property, so they’re willing to make it worth your while to give them a little more peace of mind. To them, it’s all about statistics, and GPS trackers will lower the odds of costly property loss.

The benefits among auto insurance providers may vary. Liberty Mutual is one of the biggest discounters, offering up to 25% off regular comprehensive monthly premiums to GPS users. Other insurance companies like AAA, Progressive, and Geico offer up to 18%, 15%, and 10% off respectively. Some companies have different discounts or requirements in different states, so call your agent and ask what benefits apply to your situation. If you’re a company managing an entire fleet of vehicles, GPS tracking will certainly net you a higher gain than an individual vehicle policy. If you’re a parent stressing over your newly licensed teen, there’s likely some discounts to be had there, as well. A few years ago, AIG began a program offering a particularly high discount to teen drivers who were willing to be tracked by their parents. Again, be sure to check out these discounts if you’re not already familiar with them. Don’t doubt that there’s one out there for you-about a dozen states (note: pdf link) have passed laws requiring insurance companies to offer incentives to drivers who purchase anti-theft devices like GPS trackers.

GPS trackers can also save you money indirectly. Most insurance companies have low mileage discounts for infrequent drivers, so a data sheet generated by your car’s GPS tracker can be a quick and simple way to show how much you’ve travelled during any relevant period of time. On a similar note, if you itemize your tax deductions, a GPS tracker is a great way to prove your low mileage at the end of every year to the IRS.

Even without the benefit of lower monthly premiums, GPS trackers pay for themselves by providing security and peace of mind. And if they can save you a few extra bucks as well, what’s keeping you from picking one up?

By Greg Bartlett

Insurance-it’s on everyone’s mind these days as the health care debate remains in the media spotlight.  Health insurance is just one of many forms of insurance which most people have.

Insurance & the GPS Tracker

When did you last consider your other insurance and how much you are paying?  For example: car insurance.  Did you know that many car insurance companies offer discounts to vehicles equipped with anti-theft devices?  Some states even require auto insurance companies to offer discounts for anti-theft devices (Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Texas).  And just in case you don’t think your car will ever be stolen, consider some statistics.  According to the FBI, a car is stolen in America every 33 seconds.  Those living in urban areas are at an even greater risk for car theft.

Don’t be lulled into complacency because you have an older car.  The National Crime Insurance Crime Bureau reports the top ten most stolen cars in 2006 were models were 1995, 1991, 1989, 1997, 2005, 1994 (several different models from this year), and 1990.  If you happen to own a motorcycle, you are at an even greater risk.  In 2008 60,763 motorcycles were reported stolen.

And while car thefts have fallen slightly over the past year, it is in part due to the advances in technology in anti-theft devices.  One such device is a GPS tracker.  A GPS tracker has two components: the satellites that do the tracking and the receiver that is attached to the vehicle.  There are roughly 24 satellites that can determine the location (latitude and longitude) of the receiver (can be a person, in this case your vehicle).  This information is sent to a database that is accessible by internet or through mobile devices.

Active GPS tracking systems give real-time information about the location of the receiver, while passive tracking is more like a log of events that occurred.  If your vehicle equipped with this type of anti-theft device were to be stolen, you would be able to determine the exact location, which is why insurance companies often reward such preventative measures with discounts.  These discounts can start around 5% and go as high as 30%.

As previously mentioned, some states require companies to offer discounts, but many, many companies in other states also offer incentives and discounts to owners who equip their vehicles with anti-theft devices.  If you are paying too much for car insurance, consider the investment in a device that will offer you many benefits-one of which would be lowering your monthly insurance costs.

By Harriette Halepis

WBZ Boston, Lowell, Massachusetts, January 29, 2010 - The state of Lowell, Massachusetts, recently proposed that all Lowell police cars be fitted with GPS trackers. Other states that have outfitted state-owned vehicles with GPS trackers have managed to increase productivity and emergency response time. However, the Lowell police force is not allowing the installation of GPS trackers without a fight.

Tracking Police Cars

Due to planned protests, the annual awards ceremony that is usually held in the Lowell memorial Auditorium had to be cancelled.  Those who are a part of the Lowell force feel that the installation of GPS trackers would be a violation of personal rights, though City Manager Bernard Lynch doesn’t quite see the situation in this manner.

Instead, Lynch argues that the city “…wants to make sure that…police officers are doing what they’re supposed to be doing… (WBZ)“ While this may sound paranoid to some, the fact of the matter is that many other states through the nation have found that city employees spend a lot more time tending to non-work related tasks then they do to work related tasks.

Further, tax payers don’t see anything wrong with ensuring that police officers are actually working for that tax money. As one resident put it “it’s tax dollars at work. You see a cruiser sitting on the side of the road, at least back at dispatch, they know where they are (WBZ).” This resident isn’t the only one, many people within the Lowell area wonder whether or not police officers are spending their time wisely.

As for those members of the Lowell police force, a press release that was sent to the Lowell Sun states that “the chief has proclaimed his lack of trust in our members by proposing the GPS system (WBZ).” At this time, no further comments have been made by force representatives. Thus, the proposal has not yet been implemented, though both state officials and city taxpayers would like to see the proposal set into motion.

GPS trackers installed in police cars across the nation would not only ensure that police officers are respecting state time, but they would also ensure that stolen police vehicles are returned in a timely manner. Also, back up crews would likely be able to reach officers in distress faster with the help of a GPS tracker.

By Greg Bartlett

When it comes to truancy, there’s at least one town in Texas that’s taking matters into its own hands. High school students who deliberately miss class in Bryan, Texas will be given hand-held GPS trackers to encourage them to return to school. Brazos County Justice of the Peace Tommy Munoz says that this measure will show students that breaking laws—even small ones—has consequences. By implementing this “Attendance Improvement Management” (AIM, for short), Munoz hopes to deter kids from repeatedly ignoring truancy regulations, which can result in more severe punishments like mandatory ankle bracelet GPS trackers or even a trip to juvenile court.

GPS & Truancy

County judges often have a great deal of latitude in assigning punishments or behavior improvement programs to kids who commit lesser offences. The law allows a judge some flexibility to determine what may or may not encourage someone to get back on track. Many view GPS trackers as a simple preventative measure, and in the case of this town, the devices are small enough to be placed in a book bag alongside a cell phone. Munoz ruled out ankle bracelet GPS trackers since he didn’t want the program to seem like a humiliating, kiddie version of parole.

But for a problem such as truancy, technology can never be the full solution. Munoz also requires that repeat offenders attend counseling sessions with professionals who want to explain to the kids the benefits of staying in school. Parents will be involved in the program, providing their kids the GPS trackers in the morning and checking them in at night. Munoz understands that parental involvement is the most important factor. Previously he has addressed minor offenses by requiring students to attend a day of class along with a parent. The judge is known statewide for his creative problem solving.

Thankfully, Munoz’s use of GPS trackers is thoughtful and not draconian. Other states in previous years have attempted to pass laws requiring school-wide use of the devices. In the United Kingdom, a uniform company called Trutex has sold to some private schools uniforms that are already embedded with GPS trackers. In these—admittedly exclusive—academies every student is tracked at all times, regardless of his or her disciplinary record. By contrast, the students of Bryan County have much less supervision to worry about. With currently a 97% attendance rate, it looks like the system may be working.

By Harriette Halepis

As soon as the first GPS tracker hit the shelves parents began tracking their children. Some parents simply wanted peace of mind that a child would not be abducted walking home from school, while other parents used the devices as a means of “technological parenting.”

GPS & Children

While many people argue that tracking a child is an invasion of that child’s privacy, it should be noted that many children have been saved thanks to GPS trackers. When a child is tracked via GPS, police can locate that child following abduction. Contrastingly, children who are not equipped with GPS trackers have very little hope of being found.

Still, many people wonder if attaching a GPS tracker to a child is akin to spying on children. In one way, parents who use GPS trackers are spying on their children - but, is this such a bad thing? Children under the age of 18 are generally gullible, innocent, and entirely trusting, which is why it’s relatively easy for a kidnapper to coax a child into a vehicle or away from other children.

When parents are keeping a watchful eye on children, the likelihood that a kidnapper will be able to abduct a child is lowered. Of course, kidnapping is still possible, but parents can quickly pinpoint the exact location of a kidnapper with the help of a GPS.

Some will argue that a parent/child relationship should be built upon trust, but at what age? While parents may want teenagers to trust them, far too many teens have run away from home never to be seen from again. Would these teens have been returned to their parents if they were wearing GPS tracking devices at the time they decided to run away?

On the flip side, there’s no doubt that some overprotective parents may attempt to track a child’s every move out of sheer anxiety. Likewise, some parents may rely too heavily upon GPS trackers to monitor children without building a relationship with children. However, both of these scenarios are extreme, and, therefore, only apply to a select group of people.

Another question that has been raised frequently is whether or not children have any real privacy rights. After all, how can a parent expect to protect a child if they are unaware of a child’s actions? Children who are granted too much privacy often wind up in troublesome situations. In the end, there is no clear cut answer to the question: is tracking your children an invasion of privacy?

By Harriette Halepis

Source acquired via The Eagle (Bryan, TX) Jan 20, 2010 — Since the first school was erected in Ancient Greece, kids have made it a point to skip class now and then. While most administrators give students a slap on the wrist for this type of truancy, Justice of the Peace Tommy Munoz has had enough of doling out small slaps.

GPS & Truancy

A recent announcement that Munoz would be equipping truant students with GPS trackers has had some parents outraged while others fully support the decree. As some parents have argued, the thought of monitoring students with GPS trackers tends to conjure up images of criminals.

Those opposed to Munoz’s ruling argue that since many criminals around the world have recently been given new GPS ankle bracelets to wear, putting truant students in the same category seems to be sending the wrong signal. Acknowledging these protests, Munoz made it very clear that the GPS trackers truant students would be given are not the same as those trackers that criminals currently wear.

Instead, the “truancy trackers” are approximately the size of an average cell phone. Further, instead of attaching these trackers to a student, students will be asked to carry the trackers with them. In addition to simply carrying a tracker, students will also be asked to check in with authorities five times per day.

What happens if a student forgets to check in or simply forgets a tracker at home? Well, Munoz isn’t playing around when it comes to truancy, and he’ll “…hold them in contempt and they’ll face juvenile detention.” Munoz believes that “…the school has rules and adults have laws,” which means that those teens carrying a truancy tracker better not forget to bring that tracker to school every day.

Teens that are forced to take part in Munoz’s experiment can’t simply drop out of school either - to do so would be in violation of a court order. In fact, Munoz has promised that he will make it his duty to find students who have dropped out and slap them with an arrest warrant.

As for the cost of the program, the funding for the program will come from the Justice of the Peace Technology Fund, and the price of putting together Munoz’s plan will be around $13,000. The aim of the program is to “…get one student out of 10 to graduate…” This may not seem like a lot, but in the town of Bryan, Texas, most students never see graduation day. Whether or not Munoz’s truancy tracker plan will work has yet to be seen, but it’s one way to stop students from skipping school for the time being.