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Is Your Phone a Crime-Stopping Device?

March 10th, 2013

A phone’s GPS tracking capabilities can lead authorities to a suspect. Take, for instance, the recent incident wherein two thieves were found when police used a victim’s phone to trace their whereabouts. Rolando Ojeda and Anthony Castaneda, both of Blue Island, IL were charged with aggravated robbery after they held up two young men. Among the items taken was an iPhone. Because the phone was not turned off, police were able to locate it and the thieves a short distance away using a phone-tracking app.

Proponents of the use of GPS tracking in order to solve crimes claim that it is a major benefit to law enforcement, even providing security for the citizenry or monitoring illegal activity. In one case, police found a stabbing victim hiding in his abductor’s basement by tracking the wounded man’s phone. In another incident, a man and his son were caught trafficking marijuana from Arizona to Tennessee when the suspect’s phone was “pinged”.

Unauthorized Tracking

Some, however, are not convinced that police authorities or other governmental agencies should use tracking because of its potential to violate privacy under the Fourth Amendment. Wire-tapping laws are largely outdated, so police may obtain information from people’s phones, in many cases, without a warrant. Tracking is easily accomplished by locating the cell towers in the proximity of a phone’s usage. Even if a phone is not in use, its location may be picked up by each cell tower it passes. Without reasonable cause, however, obtaining info on people’s whereabouts can be an intrusion.

Accountability is a major concern of those who are wary of police use of GPS phone-tracking capabilities, even if used for locating criminals. Nearly everyone owns a phone, and nearly every phone may be tracked. Even when a phone is turned off, information may be gleaned from it by first “cloning” the device and then downloading material afterward. So far, many cell phone service carriers have been cooperative with police efforts, providing the requested information, in many cases, for a fee. (One local law enforcement agency, though, bought its own tracking equipment at a cost of $244,00 so it would not have to go through a service carrier for information.) For now, the use of cell phone tracking is basically on the honor system, though several civil rights organizations are encouraging courts to delineate the responsibilities and parameters of such usage.

GPS Tracks Down Knife-Wielding Assailant

March 9th, 2013

Last December police in Kansas City, Missouri arrested a man after he refused to pay for a cab ride, stabbed his female cab driver, and took off with her car. Unbeknownst to the cabby’s attacker, though, was the fact that this particular company, Checker Cabs, has equipped all of it’s vehicles with GPS tracking units. And while the cab company was unable to track the vehicle the night of the attack due to some technological malfunctions, by the next morning they had re-established tracking to the cab and the police were able to confront, and after a brief high speed race, apprehend the suspect.

If it seems like you’ve read a similar story before, you probably have. In fact, although car thefts are on the decline, as of 2010 the FBI estimated that a motor vehicle was stolen every 43 seconds, good for over 737,000 a year. So perhaps it should be no wonder that GPS tracking units are becoming one of many police department’s favorite crime fighting tools. Gone are the days when the best service GPS provided was directions to the closest coffee shop. Now, services like Onstar from GM offer GPS tracking of your vehicle in case of theft. In the case of Onstar, 76% of vehicles equipped with the service are recovered by police. That number looks even better when compared to a national vehicle recovery rate of 43% in 2009.

But even with a variety of car tracking devices available, most which have several useful features in addition to vehicle recovery assistance, many car owners still have not equipped their cars with these relatively inexpensive tracking devices. Compared to the expense and hassle purchasing a new car, making the investment of money and time to equip your car with a GPS device seems like a small sacrifice.

Criminals always seem to be a half step ahead of the law, and some professional auto thieves are discovering ways to combat GPS tracking, but, as Onstar’s recovery rate suggests, many criminals still have not figured out that their every move in a stolen vehicle can be mapped. Vehicles are often stolen to be flipped for a quick profit or as getaway cars to be trashed abandoned, so time is of essence if you want to recover your vehicle. And if you have GPS tracking for your vehicle you can help give police the upper hand they need.

GPS: India’s Newest Crime Fighting Weapon

March 9th, 2013

The highly publicized rape and murder of a woman in New Delhi, India has lead to calls for reform in the rapidly modernizing nation. But while local and national politicians have begun debating new laws regarding prosecuting and punishing rapists, officials in Karnataka have begun instituting preventive measures to ensure the safety of the women in the area. State legislators announced in December that taxis and autorickshaws will be equipped with GPS devices, presumably to hold their operators accountable for where they drive their clients.

New Delhi, which has the dubious honor of being sometimes called India’s “rape capital,” could learn from Karnataka. While laws and increased police presence are needed, this burgeoning mega-city needs to begin applying modern technology to its fight against sexual assaults. When a woman can’t get into a taxi for fear of what might happen to her, every avenue to prevent rape needs to be explored. Installing GPS tracking devices in taxis and autorickshaws will help give women confidence that they can ride public transportation vehicles safely.

One of the major problems discussed during the Indian debate on rape is that victims often struggle to prove their case because of a lack of witnesses. Installing GPS devices in public transportation vehicles will discourage drivers from driving off route to take advantage of female passengers. And should that happen, with GPS tracking, women now have a method of appeal, an impartial witness not too afraid or ashamed to testify. While reform is certainly needed, and likely on the way, in Indian laws regarding rape, state lawmakers in Karnatakan have proved that modern technology can be applied as a preventative measure. They have also proved that, while GPS has been popularly available for years, its uses still have yet to be fully realized.

Because they can pinpoint exact locations with near perfect accuracy, GPS devices are one of the more reliable resources available to law enforcement agencies. As India continues to make technological strides, the widespread use of GPS tracking devices may prove to be a long term preventative measure against rape. And as police learn to use their newest crime fighting weapon, perhaps they will become aware of other, as yet unthought of ways, to use GPS to fight crime.

Police Aided in Catching Drug Dealers with GPS Tracking

February 21st, 2013

GPS tracking of suspects’ vehicles have become increasingly useful in catching and charging individuals with criminal activity and deterring ongoing crime, such as in the area of drug trafficking.

Catching ‘Em Red-handed

GPS technology has proved a valuable tool for police when tracking drug dealers. For instance, in Mankato, Minnesota, officers gained a warrant allowing them to place a GPS tracking device onto the vehicle a suspect was using to travel back and forth from a drug pick-up point. GPS tracking notified law enforcement via text alert of the car’s every move—whenever it started, stopped, left or entered the two pre-programmed city zones of Mankato and Rochester (where the drug exchange was taking place), and what highway/direction it was headed. The criminal was pulled over and, after a drug-sniffing dog and a state trooper’s search confirmed that cocaine was indeed inside, promptly arrested. Police used the key card (found inside the suspect’s wallet) to a hotel room to discover more incriminating evidence and another suspect, commonly known to be involved with the criminal, playing look-out.

Tracking the Drug Traffickers

Electronic tracking of drug runners involves multiple levels of government, police, and military. The DEA, Border Patrol, and Homeland Security work in unison to monitor and eradicate international drug smuggling from Mexico and Central and South America. Police form task forces to stop drug trafficking in local regions.

GPS tracking offers several advantages to law enforcement and military in catching drug-running criminals. First, the data it collects is concrete, irrefutable, and impartial; it tells when, where, and in what direction. Second, no one is harmed in the accessing of the data. All GPS tracking surveillance is done at a distance and does not require sending in officers or agents until action is needed or an arrest is made. GPS tracking can travel across state or country boundaries where many officers (because of jurisdiction) cannot, assisting various agencies.

Lastly, GPS tracking promotes efficiency. For many police divisions who are understaffed or short of resources, electronic monitoring is available to be the “eyes” for officers so they don’t have to be present until absolutely necessary. One GPS tracking device can, to a certain extent, do the work of multiple personnel—effective when there aren’t enough officers to go around and limiting a payroll budget is of concern.

St. Louis: Homicide Victim’s Car Located With GPS

February 18th, 2013

Friends and relatives gathered at the funeral of Ebony Jackson, found shot to death in the trunk of her own car in St. Louis in late January. This discovery was made four days after authorities found her baby abandoned in Brekenridge Hills. Authorities relied on the GPS device installed in her car from the dealership which is usually used to track down the vehicles of those who aren’t making their car payments.

30-year-old Jackson’s three-month-old son, Donavon Prom, was discovered in his car seat in the hallway of a Breckenridge Hills apartment complex by a resident on his way to work, four days prior to the discovery of her body. Authorities obtained a court order to gain access to the information collected by the GPS device, and tracked it to the parking lot of the apartment complex that family says she has no connection to whatsoever. Her cousin, Jessie Mosley, said “It’s just totally out of character for her to be in a neighborhood like this. Even the car being in a neighborhood like this.” The rear license plate had been removed.

The one thing the GPS tracking device did not reveal: Jackon’s body was in the trunk of her own car. Autopsy later revealed a single gunshot wound behind her ear was the cause of death. No one has been arrested in connection with the case.

Many ministers spoke at Jackson’s funeral. One of them, Rev. Kevin Jacques of Gregg Chapel AME Church in St. Louis said that he prays that “whoever committed this senseless act comes to justice.”

Investigators are still hard at work trying to find her killer. They still have yet to determine where she was killed, and whether she had been in the area on her own accord or brought there after the murder. One thing is certain: there are many unanswered questions, and many people who are looking to answer them for the baby boy that initiated the whole investigation.

Battling Rape in New Delhi, India With GPS

February 12th, 2013

Out of all of India’s cities, New Delhi has the largest number of sex crimes. According to information studied by police, a rape is reported in the city every 18 hours. Most of these crimes aren’t even included in those figures as the majority are unreported and never spoken of. However, after the brutal gang rape of a young student back on December 16, 2012, the issue has been brought to the forefront. Human Rights Watch released a report accusing the government of not doing enough to protect its children from such treatment, and called upon them to enact child protection laws.

The victim, only 23 years old, was brutally beaten, raped for just about an hour, and then thrown from the bus while it was in motion. She received massive internal injuries from the assault and after being treated in the intensive care ward of a Singapore hospital, succumbed to her injuries and died on December 29. Five of the six men arrested in the attack are currently in the midst of court proceedings, where the victim’s father hopes justice is served. “I don’t read newspapers or watch TV. I only want that all the six people should be hanged,” he said. The sixth man is being tried as a juvenile.

What can be done to protect women? Although nothing can change the mindset of India’s people overnight, steps are being proposed to protect others while utilizing public transportation. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister R. Ashok has begun by installing CCTV and GPS devices on 6,000 buses.

“The state government has decided to install CCTVs and GPS in 6,000 public transport buses to protect women traveling in these vehicles,” said Ashok. He is also the minister for Transport. He says the CCTVs would serve as an extra measure to ensure these criminals are captured, as if the police were there themselves. The GPS devices would help figure out exactly where alleged suspects got on and off the bus alongside the CCTV, recording their GPS coordinates. Ashok has also reached out to private bus and lorry owners, asking that they, too, install CCTVs and GPS devices.

Could this curb violence against India’s women and children? Is it enough? What do you think? Comment below with your opinion.

GPS Tracking May Be Helpful in Catching Cops Involved in Alleged Crimes

December 16th, 2012

We already know that police departments have been using GPS tracking to help reduce crime while keeping track of patrol cars on the field. GPS tracking helps police officers track and find criminals and in gathering submittable evidence of criminal activity. GPS tracking can also be used to track evidence that has been stored, and track illicit cargo and/or stolen goods.

But what about using GPS tracking to track police officers who may be committing on-duty crimes themselves? In a case involving an ex-Houston Police Department cop, both GPS tracking and photos are among the evidence being presented in a case being tried by a Harris County jury.

Former police officer for the Houston department, Abraham Joseph has been accused of sexual assault while on duty. The GPS tracking was used as permissible evidence as part of the testimony of a criminal investigator, who was able to give a time line of former officer Joseph’s activities on the night of January 2, 2011.

The patrol car, which was already equipped with a GPS device, tracked Joseph’s trip to a gas station at 2:52 AM where he remained for 3 minutes, then to a park where he remained for 10 minutes, then back to a different gas station.

The criminal investigator noted in his testimony that Joseph did not contact the dispatcher to let headquarters know that he picked up someone.

“Since I been on the department for 28 years, it’s always been grilled into me, that you get a time check when you have a female in custody. It’s to protect the officer against allegations of wrongdoing,” the criminal investigator said.

Prosecutors in the case claim that this is not Joseph’s only sexual assault crime while on duty at the Houston Police Department. They claim there are several other women that claim Joseph raped them as well, and are ready to take the stand. The prosecutors also presented the jurors with photographs of bruises on the victim’s arm and hand that were taken directly after the alleged assault.

According to legal analyst Joel Androphy, the judge will have to determine whether to allow additional evidence in because of possible prejudice against the police officer uniform in general. He goes on to say that if the judge allows this testimony that it will be devastating for Joseph’s case.

MA Parolee: Caught in the Act Thanks to Tracking Device

October 16th, 2012

If there’s one thing that boggles the mind, it is why so many criminals in today’s age of tracking devices think they can get away with committing a crime. We report on these cases often at the RMT blog, whether it is someone stealing a smartphone and being caught using Find My iPhone or a copper thief, stealing a roll of copper containing a GPS tracking device. The following story, however, has to be one of the most flagrant displays of idiocy yet.

30 year old Kristen Dacosta of Dartmouth, MA was already being monitored via GPS tracking bracelet by the MA Probation Service when she broke into a home back in June. She is also facing charges in similar cases in other communities.

The victim, of Somerset, MA, noticed quite a bit of her jewelry was missing on June 24 and reported it to police. She wasn’t certain when the burglary took place, according to Police Chief Joseph Ferreira, but a New Bedford detective answered that question on July 10. The detective contacted the Somerset Police and not only pinned Dacosta with the burglary charge, but gave police the window of time she committed the crime, between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Because Dacosta was on parole, she was wearing a GPS tracking bracelet that gave officers all the information they needed to convict her of the crime. According to Ferreira, “She had gained access through a southeast window, and the GPS tracking system identified exactly where she was located.”

Police have recovered the majority of the missing jewelry at area pawn shops, who are being very cooperative with law enforcement. A total of nine of the pieces of jewelry were recovered from a Fall River pawn shop, Pawtucket Pawnbrokers Too.

A warrant has been issued for Dacosta’s arrest. If convicted, she faces one count of larceny over $250, as well as one count of breaking and entering in the daytime while attempting to commit a felony. She is also suspected in other break-in cases in Swansea, Wareham, Dartmouth, and New Bedford.

This is the first time Ferreira has seen a case solved by GPS tracking device. However, he understands why they are so useful. As for the thought process of Dacosta during this crime, he said, “It doesn’t make sense that someone would think that no one is watching.” No, Chief, it certainly does not.

Texas Truck Thief Busted Thanks to GPS

October 8th, 2012

Yet again, another criminal is caught red handed stealing a vehicle with the help of a GPS device. It is unclear when thieves will learn that this use of modern technology always adds up to jail time. They must not pay attention to the news – the use of GPS device to track down criminals is very commonplace these days.

This time, a Corpus Christi car dealership, Lithia Dodge was the target. Wayne Lytle, the dealership’s general manager, had noticed a lock box was stolen off the truck that was eventually stolen itself the very next day. CCPD had the idea to install a GPS device when investigating the theft of the lock box, and sure enough, their hunch paid off.

George Ortiz stole the truck the following morning, and police successfully located him thanks to the GPS device. A chase ensued, culminating in his arrest after pulling into the parking lot of a gun shop and attempting to escape on bicycle, which was in the bed of the truck. He was arrested for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and evading arrest.

Lytle was thrilled it worked out, stating the GPS tracking device made it easy to assure his property was returned to him. When he got the call the truck was being stolen, he said “I was actually pretty elated because I want to try and put an end to this. What happened was exactly what we wanted to happen.” Despite his confidence in the device and the fact Ortiz was caught, he knows this is just the beginning. Lytle is certain car thieves will always be a problem “I don’t think it will ever end.”

Lytle has upgraded the dealership’s security system by adding more security cameras, as well as installing GPS devices on every new car. He has also ensured his employees are watching vigilantly for any suspicious behavior displayed by patrons.

Police believe Ortiz is part of a bigger gang of car thieves, and they are allegedly linked to the theft of five different trucks since June. It is thought the thieves end up selling the trucks’ parts or stash them in Mexico. More arrests are in the works.

GPS in the World of Drug Crime

October 4th, 2012

If you thought Lawrence, Massachusetts was a quiet little Northeastern town with little going on, think again. Law enforcement just took down a complex ring of criminals that had been conducting the kind of activities that most of us hope only happens in the movies. And GPS trackers played an integral part in the distasteful story.

The story began with organized drug smugglers—a large group of criminals that worked to import drugs from South American countries onto the streets of cities in New England. This activity is, of course, a major target of local and federal agencies, but in this specific case, the drug smugglers were actually unlikely victims.

An opportunistic fellow by the name of Danny Veloz apparently decided that, since these smugglers had plenty of cash on hand, they would be ideal for kidnapping and demanding ransom money. He assembled a team of men and began the process of getting some drug money for himself. The only problem was that drug smugglers are also heavily armed and protective—it’s not easy to sneak up on them.

That’s where the GPS trackers came in. Once one of Veloz’s operatives got close enough to a smuggler’s car to hide a tracker on it, Veloz was able to take his time, watching the car’s progress on a big TV screen right in the comfort of his own home. If he simply waited long enough, his target would eventually become separated from his companions and vulnerable to capture. A swift attack, a short ride to a hideout in New Hampshire, and the ransom demand would begin. The police did find out just what happened to those prisoners in the hideout, but we’ll spare you the very ugly details in this post.

As with any tool, GPS trackers can be used for good or evil. Commercial companies, private individuals, and law enforcement departments are all trying to figure out just how to incorporate GPS into our everyday lives, and organized crime rings seem to be doing the same. It is, of course, highly disturbing to contemplate the possibility of a kidnapper tagging a victim’s car with a tracker, and we can only hope that officials will find a way to keep devices out of the hands of those that would use them in such a manner.