Using GPS Tracking in Singapore: When Is It Legal and How Does It Help Private Investigators?
GPS tracking has proven to be a very useful tool for PIs, law enforcement, or any legal professionals who focus on gathering evidence. Irrespective of its advantages, certain aspects regarding its practicality puzzles and concerns a lot of people.
It is important to detail the boundaries for which GPS tracking can be considered acceptable in the context of law compliance and its use in private investigation services.
The Legality of GPS Tracking Enquiries
As much as it can be useful, there are several legality issues with the tracking, including who owns the property, who gives consent, and what laws apply to a specific area. In the most common case, placing a GPS tracker on a car is only permitted if the tracker has permission from the vehicle’s owner.
For example, a company can monitor company cars given to personnel, but this must be made clear in advance. On the other hand, a person tracking his wife’s vehicle may be prosecuted in most places if there is no consent from her.
Ownership and Consent
A GPS tracker can be placed on a vehicle without breaking any laws so long as the owner is the one applying it. Businesses that track GPS-enabled vehicles may be subject to regulations set out by the law that governs employee privacy. Tracking, without permission, another person’s vehicle, even during family quarrels, is considered breaking the law and hence punishable.
Law Enforcement and Private Investigation
Entities under law enforcement have to obtain a warrant to utilise GPS devices on a suspect’s vehicle. A private investigations agency, however, has to follow a strict legal code as they do not have police powers. A private investigator hired by a client, for example, cannot legally put a tracker on a vehicle without consent from the owner.
Jurisdictional Variation and Privacy Laws and Principles
Laws on GPS tracking differ from state to state and country to country. For example, in the United States, each state has a different privacy law, while Singapore has to observe the PDPA. Private investigators must remember the region-level laws that govern GPS tracking to avoid breaking the law.
Legal Ramifications of Unlawful Use of GPS Tracking
Excessive use of GPS tracking, or illicit use for that matter, does bear dire consequences. Individuals or investigators who violate the guidelines set forth and engage in tracking unauthorised individuals without consent might suffer civil suits for breach of privacy or even an imprisonment sentence. Additionally, any evidence collected by the unlawful tracker will most likely be rendered void in court, which can be problematic for a lot of cases.
Benefits of Using GPS Technology in Private Investigations
The restrictions notwithstanding, GPS tracking is still a formidable weapon when used at the right time.
Investigations Of Family Law And Adultery
In cases of family law, GPS tracking can assist in gathering evidence when investigating infidelity or even child custody battles. A private investigator can use GPS data to check a spouse’s location or even to see if a parent is following the custody agreement. This always has to be balanced with legal frameworks to ensure privacy rights are not infringed.
Corporate Management and Surveillance
Employers also make use of GPS to monitor company cars for potential abuse. Companies utilise this to make sure that employees do not abuse business resources, make unapproved side trips, or commit other forms of underhanded work like stealing time.
Criminal Investigation Efforts and Tracking Missing Persons
Police departments use GPS tracking to keep tabs on suspected criminals, track their illegal undertakings, or help locate missing people. Where it is lawful to do so, monitoring of a suspect’s motor vehicle movements can yield valuable information regarding activities and places where a crime can be committed.
Fraud Identification and Recovery of Funds
Apart from personal and corporate investigations, GPS has an essential part to play in the identification of fraud and recovery of assets. For example, in the case of insurance fraud, GPS data can help refute the claims that a vehicle was stolen or damaged beyond repair. For asset recovery, tracking devices help locate lost assets and mitigate the financial impact faced by businesses and individuals.
Remote Monitoring and Efficiency
GPS tracking also allows surveillance to be done with fewer human resources and without having an actual physical presence. An investigator can observe a person from a distance wherein risks are reduced, and efficiency is maximised. The investigation is further improved with other tools, such as dashcams and geo-fencing, where subjects are monitored in real-time when they move out of predetermined areas.
How Private Investigators in Singapore Can Legally Employ GPS Tracking
Employing GPS tracking requires a legal framework to show that undue restrictions are not placed on private citizens. For example, attempting to gather consent wherever reasonable or familiarising yourself with local privacy laws can suffice. Engaging the services of a licensed private investigator ensures that the investigator can do the tracking within legal and ethical boundaries and similarly without infringing on the client’s privacy.
The analysis and tracking of activities using a GPS is an effective tool for legal probing. It can help in improving the accuracy of the collected evidence. Like any other legal instrument, it has to be applied with moderation to avoid breaching privacy laws and legal action against misuse of the GPS. When it comes to expert investigatory services, professionals need to be consulted so that GPS tracking is productive and legal.
How BSPI Investigates with GPS Tracking
At Baker St Private Investigator (BSPI), we are perhaps the largest private investigator firm in Singapore, known for their comprehensive and meticulous handling of complex investigative work. One of the more advanced items that we use in our investigative work is GPS tracking, which greatly improves the quality and efficiency of the investigations.
When employed using the correct legal and ethical standards, GPS systems allow for the remote access of location information, which can be invaluable in the pursuit of truth.
Hire a Private Investigator to Give You Peace of Mind
BSPI is operated and managed by highly skilled investigators with vast employment backgrounds that involve safeguarding files of a sensitive nature. We use modern systems of tracking, sophisticated cameras, and computers to gather evidence that is not only admissible but proves effective in courts of law.
Every client trusts us due to our ethical standards, complete confidentiality, and assurance of results. With GPS tracking, we tackle personal investigations, corporate frauds, or even missing person cases, ensuring they are done legally and responsibly.
If you’re looking for a reliable and professional private investigator in Singapore, BSPI is the ideal choice. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help with GPS tracking while making sure the law is not infringed.