Surveillance is both an art and a science. Among the tools relied on most by private investigators, GPS tracking has become indispensable. It offers real-time insight, supports evidence collection, and—when used legally—can be a game-changer in everything from infidelity cases to corporate investigations. But like any tool, it comes with responsibilities, boundaries, and ethical considerations.
GPS tracking devices have evolved tremendously over the past decade. Today’s units are small, discreet, and capable of transmitting real-time data over long distances. They give the capability to monitor a vehicle’s movements without having to physically follow it 24/7. This is especially useful in cases where direct surveillance could be compromised or inefficient.
For example, in a cheating partner investigation, if a client suspects that her husband have been lying about working late and is potentially cheating on her, with a legally-placed GPS tracker on his vehicle which happens to be registered in her name, a private investigator can discover a consistent pattern of stops at an unfamiliar residential address. This data, paired with additional surveillance, can provide the confirmation she needs to move forward.
GPS tracking isn’t something to be used recklessly. There are strict legal guidelines around its use, and violating them can lead to criminal charges or lawsuits—not to mention damage to a PI’s reputation.
GPS tracking laws by state can differ slightly. The GPS laws in New York might be different from the GPS tracking laws in Texas, however, generally speaking, in the U.S., a private investigator near you can place a GPS tracker on a vehicle if the client owns or has legal authority over it. That means no tracking your neighbor’s car or your ex’s new partner without consent. It’s important to be aware of local regulations so that GPS tracking is done legally.
Ethically, even if a PI can place a tracker, it’s worth asking if they should. If the intent is malicious or rooted in jealousy rather than legitimate cause, a private investigator may refuse to take the case.
Once installed, a GPS tracker silently logs the vehicle’s location, speed, and travel history. This data can be monitored remotely through a secured platform. This helps to establish patterns of behavior: where someone goes, how long they stay, and how frequently they visit certain locations.
But GPS data alone isn’t always enough. It’s one piece of the puzzle. In most cases, it is used to help plan optimal times for physical surveillance or to corroborate other evidence. Usually a private investigator will use multiple methods of surveillance to build their case, gathering as much evidence as possible for their clients, so that they can make informed decisions about how to proceed.
A private investigator cannot legally track your phone without your consent or a court order. While the technology exists to monitor a phone’s location, access texts, or listen to calls, doing so without authorization is a serious violation of privacy laws and can be considered illegal surveillance or hacking. Licensed PIs must operate within the boundaries of the law, and tracking someone’s phone without permission crosses a line that can lead to criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and the loss of their license. In most cases, any phone-related investigation relies on legally obtained records—like phone bills or call logs—when accessible through proper channels.
GPS tracking isn’t infallible. Signal loss can occur in parking garages or rural areas. And of course, there’s always the risk that the target discovers the device. That’s why discretion, placement, and timing are crucial. It’s important to note that GPS doesn’t show what a person is doing, only where they are. Being outside a bar doesn’t mean someone went inside. Stopping at a house doesn’t mean they entered. That’s where traditional surveillance in an investigation still plays a vital role.
GPS tracking has revolutionized private investigation work, making it more efficient and less invasive when used appropriately. But it’s not a shortcut—it’s a supplement to skill, experience, and good judgment.
Whether it’s proving a hunch or protecting corporate interests, GPS can point us in the right direction. But it’s the investigator’s eye, ethics, and instincts that still close the case. If you are looking to investigate someone through surveillance and possibly GPS tracking in New York City, contact the team here at American Eagle Investigations.
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