Equipment

The Basics

What is GPS Police? GPS Police is a privately-owned corporation that develops and sells GPS-based vehicle tracking systems to companies around the world. We are not affiliated with any law enforcement agency or government.

What is GPS vehicle tracking? Vehicle tracking systems are comprised of small electronic devices installed in vehicles to enable vehicle owners to monitor the location of a vehicle from a computer or smart phone connected to the internet.

What is locate.gpspolice.com? locate.gpspolice.com is the URL for HQ, the web-based vehicle tracking and fleet management software developed and maintained by GPS Police.

How does GPS work? Equipment has a GPS receiver inside it. The GPS receiver gets free signals (like a radio) which allows it to calculate very accurately where it is on the Earth. Reception of GPS signals (location coordinates) do not cost money.

How does the GPS information in my vehicle get to my computer? Equipment transmits data (speed, location, heading, etc.) over cellular networks to our data centre, HQ, where it is decoded and stored forever. Vehicle owners sign in to HQ on a computer or smart phone by entering their username and password. When vehicle owners are "signed-in", their vehicles' location and other details are displayed on a Map or Reports.

Is the tracking system real-time (live)? Yes. Equipment transmits the vehicle's events (with location) the moment they occur, which you can see on our HQ vehicle tracking web site within seconds of them occurring. Equipment transmits its location automatically between every 5 seconds and 2 minutes. Equipment transmits many events the moment they occur unless it is outside cellular coverage. Equipment will store events while it is outside cellular coverage and eventually transmit those events upon returning to cellular coverage.

What is the real-time coverage? We use Telus 4G (HSPA+) in Canada and it's corresponding AT&T roaming partner. Check out our interactive coverage maps.

What information can Equipment report? Equipment transmits events based on how it is installed (wired) into the vehicle or equipment. It will report: engine on-off, stop, go, driving updates, idling, speeding, towing alert, tamper alert, auxiliary input on-off, engine hours, distance, location, street address, average speed, maximum speed, etc.

How often does Equipment update its location? Equipment transmits events as they occur instantly. Equipment is programmed to report its location while driving whenever its heading changes by 15 degrees. This type of variable update frequency means in residential zones or areas where the vehicle makes more turns, the update frequency is greatest — ~15 seconds. However, when the vehicle is travelling at highway speeds on a straight major high-way its update frequency will be less — ~2 minutes. Speeding is reported instantly, every time, regardless of driving update frequency.


Costs

Does it cost money for Equipment to work? Yes. When Equipment (inside the vehicle) reports activity to HQ (our servers), it does so wirelessly over cellular networks. Just as with a cell phone, using those networks incurs a cost. The monthly service Subscription you pay to GPS Police covers the cost of Equipment's use of cellular data networks. Your Subscription will always be a flat rate — it covers unlimited vehicle activity.

Do I require a data plan outside of GPS Police for Equipment to work? No. The service Subscription you purchase directly from us allows Equipment to report in real-time, 24/7, with unlimited activity. You will NOT require separate contracts for data with a carrier (e.g., Telus, Verizon, AT&T) for Equipment to operate. We will always be your single point of contact for the entire tracking system to operate.

Are there any contracts or obligations? No. Contracts or lengthy terms and conditions are not customer-friendly, therefore we don't require them. Being our customer is really simple, and you have two options:

  1. Buy. Purchase Equipment, install, and pay for the Subscription when you need it. If and when you don't require service, you may suspend (Vacation mode is $10/month) or cancel at a no cost penalty. Our Subscription prices never go up and service levels never decrease.
  2. Lease. Lease Equipment, install, and pay the lease Subscription rate quarterly for the term of the lease. At the end of the lease, you own the equipment, and your Subscription cost falls to the lower rate.

Are there any activation or cancellation fees? No. Once you purchase and install the Equipment, the only recurring cost is the Subscription, which is flat-rate for unlimited usage. Cancellation Policy

Can I suspend or cancel the service (Subscription) during off-seasons period, for example winter or summer? Yes, you can suspend normal service, this is called our Vacation Subscription. Vacation subscription is $10 per month, per vehicle, and provides limited security. Equipment on Vacation reports its location as a "Check-in" event, similar to Ping, but only once per day, to ensure it's working and confirming its location. Cancelling the Subscription will result in Equipment being completely deactivated and removed from the account. Cancelling a Subscription should only be exercised if you plan to never use that particular Equipment again.


Equipment

What are Ping, Link and SafeLink? They are the electronic GPS tracking devices referred to as "Equipment" from now on. Equipment installs into your vehicle, is manufactured by GPS Police and carry FCC, PTCRB, e1, and CE certification.

What does equipment look like? For the sake of security of our customers' vehicles, we do not publish pictures of the device itself. Equipment is approximately the size of a small cell phone.

Can I hide Equipment from my drivers? Yes. Equipment is about the size of a small cell phone. It can be installed and hidden under the dash easily. With your order, we provide excellent vehicle-specific instructions on how to install Equipment covertly. In the United States and Canada, if you own the vehicle or asset, you are completely within your legal right to equip it with Equipment without notifying the driver.

Is Equipment tamper-proof? Yes. If the small hidden antenna or supply power is cut or removed, Equipment is still able to connect and transmit, often giving a tamper alert at the same time. The best tamper protection is to hide Equipment as best you are able to (the instructions cover this). Being such a small device, finding a suitable covert location in any vehicle is easy.

Is it lawful to track a vehicle without telling the driver? Yes, provided you own the vehicle or asset. You have the right and obligation to ensure its safety and that the vehicle is being driven in a safe manner if a driver other than the legally-liable owner is operating it.

Can I install Equipment myself? Yes. Equipment is simple to install. Follow the detailed accompanying instructions and connect the three wires required for operation — ground, constant power, ignition source. Basic skills of using a volt-meter and screw driver is necessary. Vehicle specific instructions are available — email the year, make and model of the vehicle to support@gpspolice.com. Installation usually takes 45 minutes or less. If you prefer to have a professional perform the work, please contact us and we can refer you to one of 250 installers we've worked with near you.

Does equipment come with a warranty? Yes. All GPS Police manufactured products come with a lifetime limited warranty against defects. Warranty Policy.

Can I have a demo unit and return it if I don't like it? GPS Police does not lend demo units for pilot projects or trials. Instead, we recommend: Buy one or two, install them and try the system for a month. We're sure you'll love it. But if, for some reason, it's not right for your requirements, just return it to us in good condition and we will refund the cost of the Equipment. Refund Policy.

What is the return policy? If you wish to return your Equipment for any reason, we'll accept it and refund the Equipment. You have 30 days from the day of order being received to return the Equipment to us for a refund. If you never install it, we'll refund the full Equipment price. Return Policy

Are the tracking devices future-proof? Yes. Equipment operates on digital cellular networks (3G, HSPA+) which has become the most widely adopted cellular communication standard in the world. GPS Police also provides system updates and upgrades free-of-charge. When we develop new features, customers can benefit from these via over-the-air upgrades.

Is satellite communication better than cellular? Each system has pros and cons. Satellite communication works almost anywhere in the world except when it does not have a clear view of the sky. Compared to Equipment, satellite tracking is more expensive. Satellite communication systems don't update as often as our system and don't have near as many features. Unlike satellite communication, cellular communication works well even in buildings, urban canyons, and underground parking lots. And the cost is very low: starting at $15 per vehicle, per month.

Will Equipment work on my boat, plane or dog? No. Equipment was designed to track motor vehicles: trucks, cars, vans, transports, buses, tractors, skid steers, dozers and excavators. Our Equipment isn't a battery-operated slap-on tracking device, or some little postage stamp-sized chip you see in Hollywood movies. It's industrial-grade, high-quality electronics we manufacture for commercial markets around the world.


Website

What is HQ? HQ is the vehicle tracking web and fleet management web site that you, as a customer, sign into to use the service.

Do I need special software on my computer? HQ is compatible with Mac or Windows PC with internet access. There is no special software to install. All you need is a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome or Firefox. For the best experience, we recommend Safari for Mac users and Chrome for Windows users.

Will the system work with my iPhone, BlackBerry or Google Android phone? Yes. HQ is a responsive website with a mobile first design. It will work on your smart phone or mobile device using wi-fi or a data connection to the internet. HQ works best on iPhone, iPad, Google Android and BlackBerry Torch (basically any mobile web browser based on WebKit).

Is the system complicated or difficult to use? No. We have designed HQ to be incredibly simple to use — no manual required. Simply put, our vehicle tracking and fleet management system is the best in the world because it's not only powerful and feature-rich, but extremely fast, reliable and actually fun to use. Which is why our customers use HQ a lot — and derive tremendous value from their investment. See for yourself: Contact us for a live demo, browse this web site for screen shots, and watch the YouTube videos documenting HQ software.

Is the system right for my company? Yes. HQ (tracking system) will fit any size company or organization with any size of staff. We have customers with just a few vehicles to municipalities to large companies with nation-wide fleets and our system satisfies both. Although our system is fast and easy to use, we also provide very powerful tools and customizable reports. We have sold to hundreds of companies in many industries such as: plumbing, electrical, HVAC, mechanical, oil & gas, construction, municipal, rental & lease, and emergency. Our system works on vehicles as well as generators, compressors, trailers, etc.


GPS Police

How long has GPS Police been in business? GPS Police began in Alberta Canada in 2003. We have been selling products and services since 2004. Our fleet tracking systems are registered with Industry of Canada and use tracking devices and software which meet and/or exceed all FCC, IOC, and CE regulations. We produce quality products and provide excellent service. GPS Police does not have, nor has never accrued, any debts or operating loans. We operate an efficient, fiscally-responsible, and profitable company.

Is GPS Police affiliated with government or law enforcement? No. We are not linked, owned, or influenced by law enforcement. We can, upon customer request, directed local police authorities to the whereabouts of stolen vehicles. The company name "GPS Police" is used to illustrate the ability of it's customers to police the activity of their own fleet.

What about technical support, assistance and training? Telephone technical support and training is available during business hours: 8 am to 5 pm MST, Monday to Friday. Online chat and email support is available 24/7/365. We do not charge for technical support or training. When you call GPS Police, you will speak to a trained GPS Police employee. You will never be transferred to an overseas call centre — all technical support staff are located in Canada and the USA. Emergency support telephone lines are open 24/7 to customers — just dial your account rep's extension and the call will be routed to your agent.

More Google™ reviews… 4.9 ★★★★★     52 Google™ reviews


Rudy Ruberto wrote: “We've been using gps Police for years now. Great product, great technology and awesome support. Our tracking of vehicles is much more efficient and effective with this service”

Steve Kaye wrote: “Great people to work with! Outstanding customer service. Tracking programs and services are a great tool in identifying and mitigating fleet operation vulnerabilities and risk.”

Lisa Wood wrote: “Fantastic service, so prompt delivering the tracker and easy to follow installation instructions.”

Proudly serving these fine companies… and many more. Trican, Alberta Health Services, Nabors Drilling, Transport Québec, Clark Construction, Cenovus Energy


The GPS Police advantage.



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