Legality of GPS tracking of vehicles and persons

I get requests all the time as a Private Investigator in California to track down people. I wouldn't be doing a service to my client's without posting this and addressing this topic.

Frequently asked Question(s) below / with Answers:

Client - Question: Can I GPS track someone in a vehicle?

RPI - Question Back:  Who is the person you want to track?

Client - Example answers:
            My company vehicle, personal vehicle, my minor child's vehicle owned and registered to me.

RPI -   Answer (Yes)

Client  - My ex-boyfriend, ex-husband, one of my co-workers.

RPI -   Answer (No)

Important Note:

It is generally legal to use a GPS tracking device if:
       
  -You or your company/organization own's the vehicle (or asset) to be tracked
  -You own the asset that may be taken without your permission
  -Your children (under 18) are the focus of the tracking
  -You are tracking the asset for the purpose of legal repossession in the event of a loan default

It is generally "illegal" to use a GPS tracking device if:

  -You are not the owner of the vehicle and do not have the legal right to track it
  -You are attempting to track a boyfriend or girlfriend or ex-spouse in their own car

Client - Question: How do I know if my vehicle is being GPS tracked?

RPI - Answer:  a TSCM (Technical Surveillance Counter Measure) investigation may be needed to
                       "bug or  GPS sweep" your vehicle.

Client:  - Who can I contact for this TSCM investigation service?

RPI: -    Question:  Do You Know The RightPI?    visit:     www.rightpi.com  
             
              or  call us at  (916) 905-2559

             Answer:  Yes, we conduct TSCM investigations of vehicles, residences and businesses. 



Right Path Investigations is a full service Private Investigation Services Company, in no way are we expressing we are legal counsel or offering legal advice. It is highly recommended that you check the laws in your state and jurisdiction you reside or conduct business and consult an attorney if need be.

Just another public service announcement (video courtesy of the Fresno Bee) from your friendly Investigators that like to promote "fraud awareness" like the RightPI and Fraud Investigators from the City of San Luis Obisbo, Ca. Please click on the link below and watch the short video (and share it) , Like and Re-Tweet. Stay Classy SLO. Nice work! ~RPI
http://www.fresnobee.com/news/article64684067.html

Get Trained, Observe & Report Suspicious Activity

There has never been a better time to follow my last post on continuing your education than now to plug Code 4's course "Front Desk Safety" after the tragic events that unfolded this Wednesday December 2, 2015 in San Bernadino, Ca that has claimed 14 lives and critically injured dozens more. There have been reports that have ranged from the co-workers to the immediate neighbors of the 2 shooters (and don't forget pipe bombers or terrorists as defined by the F.B.I. ) that there was plenty of suspicious activity leading up to the violent events that have transpired up to and including the shooters directly communicating with known terrorists being watched by the F.B.I.

Ironically there is a course being taught today on 12/4/15 in Sacramento as I type this post. I myself plan on trying to attend the next scheduled course if at all possible, merely to have the information.

To read more about this and other courses visit:

http://www.code4.org/new8hourfrontdesksafety/

Tip of the Month: "Get Trained, Observe and Report" any and all suspicious activity that you may see in your neighborhood, workplace and/or in public places this holiday season as it is our duty as Americans.

I am sure that these neighbors wish that they would have reported what they observed before this tragic event unfolded. Read more about this at:

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2015/12/02/authorities-search-redlands-home-tied-to-suspect-syed-farook/

Please share this information & RT - Respect,     Jeff Berns - "The RightPI"  www.rightpi.com

Got Training & Continuing Education?

If you are not learning, you are not growing. Plain and simple.

Your knowledge base or information gathered that you make decisions will direct your life. In the western United States we have been plagued with an extreme drought these past few years.  It is not hard to picture plant growth without water. Whether your continued learning is a refresher course on Specialized Investigation Techniques, or new knowledge as technical as Computer Science or Data Science, Ethical Hacking often to referred to as "White Hat hacking", Interviewing Techniques, a CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) course, it really doesn't matter as long as you continue to learn and excercise your noodle.

I do not get one penny for plugging or advertising for any one business or organization but I would be remiss to write this short blog and not try to point you in the direction of learning and growth. So here it goes:

https://www.sans.org/
https://www.blackhat.com/us-15/training/
https://www.hetheringtongroup.com/about.shtml
http://www.learningexchange.com/
http://www.code4.org/

I will be looking for a course to begin and bring in the new year myself. Many of us excercise our physical bodies, but when was the last time you excercised your brain?

Follow more Investigative Information on Twitter @RightPI    https://twitter.com/rightpi

Back 2 the Basics, Cyber Security 101: 

Cyber security starts with you: Go back to the basics and buy a real flashlight. Read the disclosures before installing apps that waive your right to privacy. Pictures, Banking info, Geo tagging and more...
(P.S., this applies to any App on your phone really when you allow  access your contacts, picture, info etc.)   Pass it on to those you love .  Blessings & Respect ~ The Right PI  www.rightpi.com

Do not install Apps that allow access 2 your personal info: This is a Cyber Security "Must Watch" video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8xz8xKEFvU

"Surveillance, Data Privacy & Internet Freedom"

"Surveillance, Right To Data Privacy, Internet Freedom"
 ~ Edward Snowden via teleconference at TED 2014

http://www.ted.com/talks/edward_snowden_here_s_how_we_take_back_the_internet

Drones - Traffic Cams - Electronic Bug Sweeps - George Orwell's 1984

Drones, Traffic Cameras for license plates, and yes Bugs or Electronic Eavesdropping Devices:  1984?

Eavesdropping has become more and more common in this new world of high-tech surveillance whether it be the government, your employer, a spouse or ex-spouse. Per the front page article of the USA Today (8/22/13) 56, 000 emails of Americans were intercepted and monitored by the NSA that had nothing to do with terrorism this past year which has led to the huge NSA scandal that has unfolded before our eyes. Unmanned drones have been a hot topic lately in the news media and just to dis-spell any rumors or false notions: " Not all drones are *Predator Drones that carry heat seeking missiles." Many, and most  (of these surveillance type drones) are smaller and may even resemble more like a remote control helicopter or airplane. This is a very grey area legally right now in our country and it is important to know the laws in your state or region in the event that you yourself are using these types of surveillance measures. This is such a new area that many attorneys and legal professionals are not even aware of what is legal or not when it comes to the use of unmanned drones for surveillance.

Undercover cameras, video and audio equipment and it's technology has become microscopic and wireless. In addition, the cost for this type of equipment has come down and is much more accessible to those who have a need. GPS tracking devices, computer monitoring and key logger software can be installed and your privacy rights may have been violated or are being violated as I type up this post. I guarantee your vehicle has been spotted in California if you have driven thru Los Angeles County recently as there is a camera at almost every intersection. Well, that is a bit of an exaggeration, but not by much!

If you believe you have been wire tapped illegally or you are being recorded without your knowledge and/or consent and want the peace of mind of knowing that your living space is free an clear of such devices, call us today for a free estimate to sweep your home, business and/or vehicles. All calls and emails are confidential and we can give you that peace of mind you are looking for.  For more information on TSCM (Technical Surveillance Counter Measures) you can also visit PI.Now at the link below to read more about  this and how we can help you and determine whether or not you are being monitored electronically. There are many helpful articles to educate you on this topic and many more involving investigation and how it is done.  Read this article below and learn more about what we are talking about. No this isn't 1984 it's 2013.

http://www.pinow.com/articles/1449/tscm-surveillance-case-study-father-vs-son

If you don't know where to start, give us a call and we'll point you in the Right Direction (or Path).

For more info or an appointment you can call us at 916.905.2559 or email us at info@rightpi.com. 


                                                       Do You Know The RightPI?

                                                               www.rightpi.com

                                                  Jeff Berns, Right Path Investigations