Policy Text
Procedure
6004Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana PD Procedures Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/07/20, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentVEHICLE TRACKING DEVICE PROCEDURE
- 1VEHICLE TRACKING DEVICE PROCEDURE
6004.1 PURPOSE
This procedure provides guidelines for the legal use of global positioning system (GPS) mobile
tracking devices by the Investigations Bureau.
6004.2 LEGAL CONSIDERATION
The United States Supreme Court decided on January 23, 2012, that the Government's
attachment of a GPS device to a vehicle, and its use to monitor the vehicle's movements,
constitutes a search under the Fourth Amendment (United States v. Jones). Therefore, the use
of a GPS device requires a search warrant, court order, or consent.
6004.3 PROCEDURES FOR USE
1.The Special Investigations Sergeant is responsible for maintaining the security of the
GPS tracking devices, and ensuring procedures and guidelines are followed.
2.Department members must receive authorization from his/her Unit Sergeant prior to
using a GPS tracking device.
3.Given the covert nature of applying a vehicle tracking device, Special Investigations
detectives shall be responsible for the deployment and removal of all devices.
4.Prior to placing a tracking device on a suspect's vehicle, department members must
have a signed court order or search warrant, and abide by the following guidelines:
(a)Employees will abide by time limitations and other requirements outlined in the
court order or search warrant.
(b)A search warrant may not be required if the vehicle or property is stolen and the
victim authorizes consent to track it.