Using GPS Tracking Devices for Security

Using GPS Tracking Devices for Security Purposes

The Global Positioning System (GPS) uses satellites orbiting in space to help users on the ground to precisely determine their location almost anywhere in the world. GPS was originally launched in the 1970's and primarily intended for use as a military navigation system. In the decades since it was first introduced, both the accuracy and availability of GPS has greatly improved, and the system is now used widely by civilians.

Today, the use of GPS has become a part of our everyday life. GPS systems are included in smart phones, automobile navigation systems, and many other consumer devices.

The Use of GPS for Security Purposes

Security professionals were quick to recognize the potential for GPS to be used in security applications, particularly for the tracking of stolen objects. Soon after GPS was made available for civilian use, several manufacturers introduced "GPS trackers" that were intended to allow the tracking of vehicles and other objects. While these early products were somewhat effective, they were relatively large, making them difficult to conceal. They also suffered from a short battery life unless the units were connected to a permanent source of power.

Today, there are many new GPS tracking products available for security use. These products are taking advantage of advances in technology that allow them to be smaller and easier to conceal, and to consume much less power than their predecessors. Many also contain smart circuitry that allows them to only transmit a signal when needed, further conserving battery power.

There are three main categories of GPS products used for security purposes: GPS Asset Trackers, GPS Vehicle Trackers, and GPS Personal Trackers.

GPS Asset Trackers

GPS Asset Trackers are used to track high-value items such as cash, jewelry, narcotics, electronics, and other merchandise. The primary purpose of GPS Asset Trackers is to allow the recovery of stolen merchandise and the apprehension of the criminals who stole it. The use of GPS Asset Trackers may also have a deterrent effect if criminals are aware that the premises that they intend to rob or burglarize are using tracking devices.

GPS Asset Trackers are typically concealed within the items that they are intended to track. When the criminal takes the item, he or she also unintentionally takes the tracking device. When the device is moved, it becomes activated, causing an alarm message to be transmitted to a monitoring center, and allowing the position of the device to be tracked using GPS.

GPS Asset Trackers are available in a variety of different sizes and shapes, allowing them to be concealed within a variety of different types of merchandise. Options include devices that can be hidden in pill bottles, packages of cigarettes, jewelry, cell phones, and bundles of currency.

GPS Asset Trackers use a combination of cellular telephone and GPS technology. The cellular technology is used to transmit the alarm signal to the off-site monitoring center, while the GPS technology is used to determine the precise location of the tracking device.

When a GPS Asset Tracker is activated, a signal is immediately sent to the off-site monitoring center. The monitoring center immediately notifies the police and the client, and begins to track the location of the device. Both the police and the client also have the ability to log on to the monitoring center’s web portal to track the location of the device on a map on a real-time basis.

The use of a GPS Asset Tracker requires the purchase of the tracking device, as well as a monthly subscription to the monitoring and tracking service. The current cost of tracking devices in the US is $400 to $600 each, and the cost of monthly monitoring service is $20 to $30 per device.

GPS Asset Trackers are powered by batteries which must be replaced on a periodic basis. Some providers may offer subscription plans that include both monitoring service and annual testing and battery replacement.

GPS Vehicle Trackers

GPS Vehicle Trackers are used to track the location of vehicles, such as delivery trucks and tractor trailer rigs, but can also be used to track trailers, heavy-equipment, and storage containers. GPS Vehicle Trackers are similar to the GPS Asset Trackers described above, but are built more rugged to handle the extreme conditions that can be found in a vehicle. Most GPS Vehicle Trackers can also be powered from the vehicle’s electrical system, making them less reliant on batteries.

Unlike GPS Asset Trackers, which are used only after a crime has occurred, many GPS Vehicle Trackers can be used to provide routine information that can be used for management of a vehicle fleet. This information can include vehicle speed, arrival and departure times at various locations, and deviations from approved routes. Some GPS Vehicle Trackers can be connected to the vehicle’s on-board computer, allowing driving habits and vehicle performance characteristics to also be tracked.

As you can see, the use of GPS Vehicle Trackers goes far beyond just security, and many of these devices are installed primarily for fleet management purposes, with security use being an added benefit.

There are three types of GPS Trackers commonly used: Passive trackers, active trackers, and on-demand trackers.

Passive Trackers

Passive trackers are installed on the vehicle and are used to gather data on where the vehicle has been used and when. To gather data from the tracker, the user must generally remove the tracker from the vehicle and plug-it in to a computer. The data can then be downloaded and reviewed using an application program provided by the tracker manufacturer. Passive trackers are available for less than $200 in the US and typically require no monthly monitoring fee. While passive trackers can be helpful in investigating certain type of security incidents after-the-fact, they have no ability to provide real-time location of a stolen vehicle. This limits their effectiveness for security purposes.

Active Trackers

Active trackers provide continuous, real-time tracking of vehicles. This allows the user to know where every vehicle equipped with a tracking device is located at any given time. Active trackers can also be set to sound an alert when a vehicle deviates from an assigned route, stays at a location longer than expected, or is speeding or otherwise being driven in an unsafe manner. Active trackers are available from $300 to $500 n the US. A monthly monitoring fee of $30 to $50 per tracker is also required. Active trackers are primarily used for fleet management purposes, but are also excellent for security purposes.

On-Demand Trackers

On-demand trackers are installed on a vehicle but remain dormant until activated remotely by the user. To activate the tracker, the user logs on the manufacturer’s website, enters name and password, and then clicks an icon to enable tracking. The vehicle’s location is then shown on a map, along with its speed and heading if the vehicle is in motion. Once tracking is activated, the vehicle may be tracked for up to 24 hours before tracking must be reactivated again. On-demand trackers cost less than $200 in the US. There is an additional cost every time that the tracker is activated. This fee can be paid on a pay-as-you-go basis, or annual service plans that include a predetermined number of activations can be purchased. Typical cost for such a plan is $50 per year which includes up to 100 activations.

GPS Personal Trackers

GPS Personal Trackers are used to track people. GPS Personal Trackers are small portable devices that can be carried in a pocket or on a belt, or worn around the wrist or neck. GPS Personal Trackers use a combination of cellular telephone and GPS technology. The cellular technology is used to transmit the alarm signal and to allow two-way communications to an off-site monitoring center. The GPS technology is used to determine the precise location of the tracking device.

To activate the tracker, the user presses a panic button located on the device. This sends an immediate signal to the monitoring center, and establishes a voice communications path between the user and the operator at the monitoring center. The operator then speaks with the user to determine the nature of the problem. If required, the operator can then dispatch the appropriate emergency personnel to the user’s location. If for some reason the user cannot speak, the operator would typically dispatch help to the users location based on GPS coordinates.

Most GPS Personal Trackers also allow designated users to determine the location of any tracker at any time even if the panic button has not been pressed. For example, if trackers were carried by delivery drivers when making deliveries, the delivery manager could find the current location of any driver by logging in to a website and making an inquiry. Some service providers also allow real-time tracking for an additional fee.

GPS Personal Trackers are ideal for employees who work in the field alone and who may occasionally face security risks as a part of their job. This can include drivers who deliver high-value products, visiting nurses or social workers, real estate agents, and others who may be vulnerable. GPS Personal Trackers cost between $200 and $300 depending on type, and require a monthly monitoring services fee of between $35 to $50 per month.

Limitations of GPS Technology

While GPS tracking devices can be useful tools, they do have their limitations. The most obvious is GPS’s requirement to have a clear view of satellites orbiting above the earth in order to determine location. GPS signals can be blocked when the tracking device is in a building, covered by dense trees, or in an urban environment where tall buildings can obstruct the path between the device and the sky. GPS signals can also be blocked by metal containers and walls and ceilings that are constructed using metallic materials. Most tracking devices will transmit their last known position when the GPS signal is lost, and then resume transmitting real-time information again once the signal is restored.

There are also GPS signal jammers available that can be used by a criminal to deliberately jam the GPS signal, rendering tracking devices inoperative. These devices are illegal in most countries, but widely available for sale on the internet. Most GPS signal jammers must be placed in close proximity to the tracking device in order to be effective. This requires that criminals both be aware that GPS tracking devices are in use, and have a good idea of specifically where the tracking devices may be located.

Have questions about the use of GPS for security purposes? If so, please contact us.

Like this article?

Visit our Security Tips page for more than 75 additional articles on a variety of topics related to physical security

Did You Know?

Silva Consultants is an independent security consulting firm and does not sell security equipment or products

Need Help?

Silva Consultants can assist you in the design and planning of an effective security program and in the selection of security products and services

Please contact us for further assistance

Thinking about becoming an independent security consultant yourself?

Buy Michael A. Silva's book on Amazon

"Becoming an Independent Security Consultant – A Practical Guide to Starting and Running a Successful Security Consulting Practice"

Published May, 2016