When it comes to tracking someone's movements, the convenience of modern technology can be tempting to try and DIY.
A quick search on Amazon or a trip to your local electronics store will present you with a range of GPS trackers that promise to help you monitor a vehicle or a person with ease.
And it’s easy to think… “I can do this myself and save some money”.
After all, products like Apple AirTags and off-the-shelf GPS devices seem like affordable, easy-to-use options for this type of surveillance.
But there’s a significant gap between consumer-grade tracking devices and the professional-grade equipment that licensed private investigators (PIs) use.
But if you're serious about getting accurate, reliable GPS tracking data that stands up in legal situations, hiring a professional investigator is a far better option.
Here’s why:
You Don’t Have to Be Present
One of the biggest benefits of using GPS trackers is the ability to monitor someone’s movements without being physically present. When you hire a PI who uses professional-grade GPS equipment, the entire process is hands-off.
You won’t have to worry about installing, monitoring, or retrieving the device.
The PI handles everything, from setting up the tracker to collecting the data, leaving you free to focus on the results rather than the logistics.
Far More Cost-Effective in the Long Run
At first glance, a consumer GPS tracker or an Apple AirTag might seem like an affordable alternative. But appearances can be deceiving.
While these devices have lower upfront costs, they often come with additional expenses, such as subscription fees to maintain functionality.
Moreover, the results they provide are far less reliable, meaning you might have to resort to more costly solutions down the road when the data proves insufficient.
A professional investigator using high-quality GPS equipment saves you money in the long run. PIs use devices that offer real-time tracking and highly accurate data, so there’s no need to spend extra time or money verifying the information collected.
Speed and Efficiency
Professional-grade GPS devices collect data faster and with more precision than their consumer-grade counterparts. Off-the-shelf models or Apple AirTags give general location information, but they can't provide the level of detail needed for a thorough investigation.
For example, professional GPS trackers capture exact addresses, times, and speeds in real time. This data is much harder to dispute if it’s needed in legal contexts, making it a crucial tool for serious surveillance.
With the data collection happening automatically and in real time, your PI can quickly analyze and act on the information. This efficiency is vital in many investigations where time-sensitive decisions are critical.
Accurate, Reliable Data
Apple AirTags, as popular as they are, were not designed for precise GPS tracking. They work by using nearby iPhones to triangulate a device’s general location.
At best, this gives you a vague area rather than an exact address.
If you need reliable, accurate data, consumer-grade trackers or AirTags won’t cut it.
A professional-grade GPS tracker, on the other hand, provides pinpoint accuracy and delivers hard data like times, speeds, and exact locations.
This kind of indisputable evidence is essential for legal investigations or cases where you need to prove movements beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Real-Time Monitoring and Playback Features
One of the standout features of professional GPS trackers is their ability to offer live GPS tracking. This allows the investigator—and you—to see the vehicle’s movements as they happen, in real time.
Additionally, most professional-grade equipment offers playback features, so you can review the route at any time.
These features are often missing in store-bought trackers, and certainly in Apple AirTags. Consumer-grade devices typically provide delayed or imprecise data that doesn’t offer the same level of control or accuracy.
Expert Installation Matters
Knowing where to place a GPS tracker is just as important as the equipment itself. Certain vehicles, especially modern luxury cars like Tesla and Bentley, are built with materials that make GPS tracking more difficult.
For example, many newer vehicles are made with a lot of plastic and composite materials, which can hinder signal reception.
Additionally, certain areas of a car generate a lot of heat, which can damage the tracking device if installed improperly.
Professional PIs have the expertise to know exactly where to place the tracker for optimal performance. They understand the nuances of different vehicle models and can navigate these challenges to ensure that the GPS tracker works effectively.
Legal Considerations
Finally, there are legal concerns that come with GPS tracking. In states like **Virginia and Maryland**, you cannot place a GPS tracker on a vehicle unless your name is on the title. If you violate these rules, you could face legal action.
Professional investigators understand these laws and operate within their bounds, ensuring that their clients are protected from potential lawsuits.
Summary
While consumer-grade GPS trackers and Apple AirTags might seem like attractive options, they simply can’t compete with the precision, accuracy, and legal compliance of professional-grade equipment used by licensed private investigators.
Hiring a PI offers you a hands-off, reliable, and legally safe solution that will save you time and money in the long run. If you’re serious about surveillance, the professional route is the only way to go.
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