The Use of Global Positioning System Technology Will Gain Major Acceptance This Year

(BOSTON, Mass. – Jan. 26, 2006 - The SafetyMinute) A nationally televised expert on the security industry predicts that consumer and law enforcement’s use of Global Positioning System technology will explode this year. News revealed a number of developments in GPS last week that supported this view. Among these was Verizon Wireless’ decision, reported in Red Herring on Jan. 20, to market to parents a GPS tracking system for them to track their teenagers via cell phones.

“Tracking technology will explode as 2006 unfolds,” said Robert Siciliano, who delivers presentations to Fortune 500 companies across the nation. “Most people are ready to welcome this technology into their lives. GPS will take the first steps this year toward becoming second nature to us, a must-have just like the phones and other devices that will include GPS technology in them.” Siciliano is author of “The Safety Minute: 01.”

The march has already begun. Cars with satellite radio are virtually preconditioned for GPS. Most people with late-model cell phones have the capability to be outfitted with it, and a recent story on CNN’s ‘Headline News” showed how anyone with even an old cell phone can be tracked through simple cell phone tower communication.

Some uses of GPS are logical and offer society benefits that meet little, if any, resistance.

On Jan. 21, The Albuquerque Tribune reported that New Mexico’s Bernalillo County has implemented a GPS program that uses cell phones and ankle bracelets to track repeat violent offenders who might violate restraining orders. According to the article, other counties across the country have adopted similar programs that rely on GPS.

A Jan. 20 report in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer gave information on pending GPS legislation in Washington State. The proposed laws would, according to the article, “mandate GPS monitoring for registered sex offenders across the state and set up a GPS pilot program for homeless sex offenders.” Rep. John Lovick, Democrat for Washington State’s Mill Creek district, has sponsored the bills.

“GPS systems are the troublemaker’s worst nightmare,” said Siciliano. “Tracking software does not lie, and the days of teenagers coming home late and making up stories about where they’ve been are nearing an end. And criminals may as well hang up their hats and go home. Their careers are over.”

“GPS tracking systems won’t need to become popular to gain ubiquity,” Siciliano continued. “This is a technology that will spread regardless of whether consumers ask for it. Default marketing via the popular culture will bridge any remaining gaps between fear and acceptance.”

In an episode about a teenage daughter going out on a date with a much older young man, “Hogan Knows Best,” a surprisingly real “celebreality” show on VH1, presented the idea of GPS tracking.

“GPS can strengthen trust and understanding between parents and their children and between society and law enforcement, Siciliano concluded. “And, from a perspective of pure convenience, GPS stands to revolutionize the way we keep tabs on one another.”

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Robert Siciliano provides consumer education solutions to Fortune 500 companies and their clients and leads personal safety and security seminars nationwide. He has been featured on CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, “The Suze Orman Show,” “The Montel Williams Show,” “Maury Povich,” and "The Howard Stern Show."

The media may reach Siciliano at 1 (888) SICILIANO (742-4542). Visit his Web site, www.safetyminute.com. Siciliano’s full contact information follows:

Robert Siciliano

Personal Security Expert

PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)

FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)

E-MAIL: Robert@SafetyMinute.com

http://www.safetyminute.com/

The media are encouraged to get in touch with Siciliano directly. They may also contact:

Brent W. Skinner, President & CEO

STETrevisions

PHONE: 617-875-4859

FAX: 866-663-6557

E-MAIL: BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.com

http://www.STETrevisions.biz/stet.html