GPS and location tracking technology keep moving forward, shaped by demands across all industries—from public safety and logistics to everyday consumer use. As expectations rise for accuracy, reliability, and smarter features, modern solutions are delivering more than just coordinates.
Beyond Basic GPS: Next-generation Location Tracking
According to current GPS standards, location tracking accuracy typically ranges within 3-15 meters under open sky conditions, with multi-GNSS systems offering improved coverage by accessing multiple satellite networks. For indoor environments, enhanced Radio Frequency and Bluetooth capabilities work together, with Bluetooth technology to provide accuracy within five meters indoors and offering reliable close-range tracking.
These complementary technologies work together seamlessly. When a device loses GPS signal—such as when moving indoors—the system can automatically switch to RF or Bluetooth tracking depending on the environment and distance.
The latest systems also consume less battery power while delivering more frequent location updates. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology helps extend battery life while maintaining reliable short-range tracking capabilities. This means longer periods between charges and fewer maintenance issues for officers to manage. These improvements help agencies maintain consistent monitoring while reducing both officer and client inconvenience.
Legal Decisions Drive New Standards
Courts and policymakers increasingly stress that electronic monitoring should fit the actual risk level and needs of each individual, encouraging solutions that are both effective and respectful of personal circumstances.
This is driven by judicial guidance which now recommends selecting “the least invasive and most cost-effective type of technology” appropriate to each situation (U.S. Courts).
As a result, modern GPS and location tracking solutions are evolving to include a range of options—such as adjustable tracking frequency, geofencing tailored to specific restrictions, and the ability to limit monitoring to certain hours or locations. This flexibility enables agencies to customize supervision, using less invasive measures when they are enough to ensure compliance and public safety.
Expert Guidance
Agencies can benefit from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) research-driven guidelines for effective monitoring programs. Developed through ongoing research and technology assessments, these recommendations offer agencies a reliable foundation for building successful, compliant location tracking strategies:
1. Evidence-based Implementation
- Programs should use risk assessment tools to determine appropriate monitoring levels
- Regular evaluation of program effectiveness
- Clear protocols for responding to violations
2. Privacy Protection
- Data collection limited to necessary information
- Secure storage and transmission of monitoring data
- Clear policies on data retention and sharing
3. Officer Support
- Adequate training on new technologies
- Manageable caseloads
- Clear procedures for alert response
According to NIJ , these guidelines aim to improve the effectiveness and reliability of community corrections technologies while protecting both officer and participant rights.
The Human Factor at Work
Balancing supervision with real-world realities is key to successful location tracking. The next generation of devices should be crafted to blend into daily routines. This shift in focus aims to:
- Minimize visual impact
- Reduce social stigmatization
- Enable participants to maintain employment
- Support family and community connections
- Protect personal privacy
- Increase positive outcomes
Are You Ready for What’s Next in Location Tracking?
As location tracking technology continues to evolve, the next wave is focused on making supervision smarter, more adaptive, and less intrusive for everyone involved.
Expect to see more solutions that take their cues from popular consumer devices—think wrist-worn trackers and mobile options that blend right in with everyday wearables like Fitbits, medical devices, and smartwatches.
Future-ready systems will need to stay flexible to keep pace with shifting legal standards and operational needs. That means not just better hardware, but smarter software too. Artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies are on the horizon, with the potential to make monitoring even more responsive—anticipating issues, streamlining communication, and providing insights that help both officers and participants succeed.
It’s an exciting time for the community corrections field, with new tools promising to make location tracking more personalized, efficient, and supportive than ever before.
Lead the Way with BI Incorporated
Electronic monitoring programs require experienced, reliable partners for successful implementation. As an industry leader with more than 45 years of experience serving agencies nationwide, BI Incorporated provides comprehensive transition services for organizations of all sizes. Our implementation process, managed entirely by our U.S.-based teams, ensures a seamless transition while maintaining your agency’s operational continuity.
BI partners with technology leaders like Microsoft and Google to develop next generation tracking solutions that complement traditional supervision tools.
Our structured approach enables successful transitions within weeks for both new implementations and provider transitions. To learn more about location tracking technology, our white paper Location Tracking Technology: Applications and Impact in Community Corrections provides a brief technical overview for community corrections professionals.
Contact us to explore how BI can support your agency’s needs.
