Family & Safety

Tracking devices, also called tags, are electronic devices that allow a person to see another person’s location or movement by the transmission of electronic signals. Tracking devices are meant to keep track of items such as keys or luggage so they do not get lost. However, they are sometimes misused to track people’s location without their consent.

A common place for a tracking device is someone’s vehicle. The device can be placed: 

• On the dashboard,
• In the glove compartment,
• Inside the trunk,
• Inside the wheels, or
• Under the bumper.

Tracking devices can also be placed in bags, purses, suitcases, or any item regularly carried by a person.

A smartphone can also use an app that serves as a tracking device. Apps such as “Find My Friend,”“Life 360,” or “SnapMap” allow a person to track another person when given permission, typically a friend or family member.  It is a good idea to check smartphones for unfamiliar apps or to check permissions where you share your location.

Newer cars can also have tracking abilities which is meant to locate cars that are lost or stolen. Some cars also work through smartphone apps to remote control functions. However, they can also be used to track people in abusive situations.

There are both physical devices and apps that help identify an unknown tracking device:

• Physical devices include a radio frequency detector (RF detector), GPS tracker detector, or GPS bug detector. If a physical tracking device is found, you can use its serial number to find its owner by either calling the manufacturer or finding its owner information under Bluetooth settings.
• Apps: Searching for “detect tracker” or “GPS detector” in the GooglePlay store or Apple App Store will give options

Apple’s Detect unwanted trackers article talks about trackers, Apple AirTags, and what to do with tracking notifications.

If an unfamiliar tracking device is found, law enforcement may be contacted. If it is safe, a safe removal of the device can be attempted. The device might also be turned off.

However, if there are domestic violence, stalking, sexual, or other violence concerns present, it is recommended that law enforcement or a domestic violence or sexual assault organization (such as the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline) be contacted first. Removing the device or altering it may be noticed by the abuser/perpetrator. Afterward, it may be a good idea to look into getting a protective or restraining order.

Federal law criminalizes stalking behaviors that place a person in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury or that cause substantial emotional distress.  The use of tracking devices may be criminalized under federal law when used in order to place a person under surveillance, causing emotional distress.

Illinois law prohibits the use of tracking devices when it’s placed on a person’s vehicle to track them. Illinois law also criminalizes putting someone under surveillance when stalking them.

Tracking devices are only permitted when:

• The person consents to the use of the tracking device;
• The tracking device is being used to track employees driving a business-owned vehicle; or
• The tracking device is being used to track employees driving a state agency vehicle.

You can read more about tracking devices and how they are used in abusive relationships or situations:

• Safety Net Project: A Toolkit for Survivors
• WomensLaw.org: Abuse Using Technology