Each day it seems the news tells the sad story of a missing child and the heart rendering search for that child often leading to tragic results. New technology that uses a small GPS personal tracking device may be the answer to solving much of this problem. The new small devices can be worn as a pendant or on a belt like a small pager. The smaller size is ideal for younger children. The system uses a combination of cell phone and GPS technology to provide real time location information that is delivered to a cell phone, computer or email. The system can be programmed to report personal location information at timed intervals as short as 15 seconds. These personal tracking systems are ideal for dealing with child custody issues or with at risk children.
GPS Personal tracking information shows not only location but speed and direction of travel. The system also can be programmed to give you a warning when a child travels out of bounds such as leaving the neighborhood or leaving school early. Being able to log into your computer at any time of day and confirm the location of your child will reduce your stress and increase your family’s security. Some units even have a panic button on the unit that the child can activate in case of any emergency. The notification goes not only to you but to the GPS tracking company that is providing your service. They in turn can notify local authorities or even attempt to call the child on a cell phone to ascertain the type of emergency. The local authorities will know exactly where your child is to within a few meters speeding emergency response time. If your child is abducted most likely the perpetrator will quickly discard the child’s cell phone reducing the chance that they can be tracked. However if your child has a small GPS personal tracking device on them their location will still be transmitted to you and the authorities. All of which increases the chance that your child will be found safely.
For preadolescent children GPS personal tracking devices are as small a phone pager (2.5″X 1″X 1.7″ inches) and will run on small AA or AAA batteries for up to 24 hours before needing a recharge. Slightly larger units that can be placed in special clothing pockets or backpacks will continue to transmit on GSM cell phone frequencies for up to two weeks before needing a recharge. If your child is old enough to drive a back up tracking system can be installed in their vehicle to provide information on driving habits and travel locations. All of which provides a parent with peace of mind.
Personal tracking devices are not cheap and generally the smaller the device the more expensive it becomes. However it is hard to put a price on the safety of your child and your sense security. In addition the GPS carrier that provides the tracking and notification services will charge you a monthly fee usually around $100.00. In this day and time each of us must choose what level of safety and security they can live with. The risk level can be managed through the use of a modern technology in the form of a GPS personal tracking device.
By: Jim Kesel
Posts Tagged ‘Intervals’
GPS Individual Tracking, Keeping Track of Vulnerable Loved Ones
November 22nd, 2009
It seems that the world is becoming even more dangerous each day. The news reports bring tales of missing children, men, women and senior citizens. Many have medical conditions that require medicines every few hours. Others are victims of crime or accidents. Family and volunteers spend enormous amounts of energy and expense searching for these people. Sadly these incidents end in tragedy. The answer may lie in new technology in the form of GPS individual tracking devices. New GPS device technology has developed individual tracking devices to be made small enough to hang on a belt or around your neck like a pendant or on your wrist just as a watch would. These new non intrusive tracking devices use a combination of GPS and cell phone technology to report its location at timed intervals. Areas that have limited cell phone coverage generally do not offer individual tracking services. New battery technology allows these devices to continue to function for as long as 24 hours before needing to be recharged. Information that is uploaded through the cell phone system is sent to a data base maintained by a cell phone tracking provider where it can be downloaded to your computer, PDA or cell phone.
The system can be programmed to email you if your child or vulnerable individual has traveled out of bounds such as leaving a school, home or treatment facility. This is also handy for keeping track of your teens as well. However many teens feel that GPS individual tracking is an infringement on their personal freedoms. The information on the direction and speed of travel are readily available to allow you to intercept the individual are tracking. Think of the peace of mind that you will have knowing that you can log into your laptop and ascertain the location information of your loved ones day or night. Specialized units even have an alert feature that can be initiated to bring help or medical assistance. Your GPS tracking service provider will automatically notify authorities even if you are not available to respond in a timely manner. The individual that is being track is carrying a cell phone they can be called to ascertain the type of assistance needed. All of which will keep your loved ones safe and reduce your stress and anxiety levels.
The smaller GPS individual tracking devices are relatively expensive. The smaller the device is the higher the cost. In addition the smaller devices require more frequent battery charges to keep them working properly. The cost of tracking varies greatly depending on where you live and what services you require. However considering the value most of us place on our loved ones it may seem a bargain over time.
By: Jim Kesel
