JUSTIFICATION AND OVERVIEW:
In operational and investigative contexts, the ability to discreetly track, tag, and locate high-value targets or equipment can offer a decisive edge. Whether tracking stolen items, placing covert tags on surveillance assets, or embedding beacons within field equipment, the need for adaptable, low-signature tracking technology is growing across government, law enforcement, and military domains.
While commercial tracking platforms like Apple’s Find My and Android’s Find My Device ecosystems offer global coverage, their integration into professional tradecraft remains underdeveloped. Similarly, custom solutions built from COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) components can be optimised for specific mission profiles—allowing for air-gapped, encrypted, or ad-hoc tracking platforms that don’t rely on third-party infrastructure.
Track, Tag & Locate is a hands-on course focused on building deployable tracking systems using COTS hardware (ESP32, BLE modules, GSM boards, GPS receivers) and linking them to both native mobile ecosystems (Apple/Google) and custom command-and-control (C2C) environments.
Students will learn how to create trackers, deploy them covertly, collect location intelligence, and reduce the risk of attribution.
This course equips technical surveillance officers, tactical units, and intelligence support staff with the ability to create field-ready, self-controlled tracking solutions that operate globally, securely, and reliably.
BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT:
This course teaches participants how to build, deploy, and operate covert tracking devices using COTS hardware. Students will integrate devices with both mobile tracking ecosystems (Find My, Google) and custom C2C platforms, enabling real-time or delayed-location tracking of assets, devices, and targets.
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:
This course is restricted to vetted personnel in law enforcement, military, government, or authorised technical surveillance roles. Students must have basic knowledge of embedded systems, microcontrollers, and field communications (or have completed “Basic Coding for Operators” or equivalent).
INDICATIVE COURSE CONTENT:
Module 1: Tracking Theory, Legal Frameworks & Risk Management
• Use cases: tagging assets, tracking persons, mapping movement
• Covert deployment principles and non-attributable design
• Legal boundaries, jurisdictional risks, and OPSEC best practices
Module 2: COTS Hardware for Custom Trackers
• Overview of GPS/GNSS modules, GSM modems, BLE beacons, and LoRa devices
• Selecting antennas, enclosures, and power systems for discreet use
• Low-power design and firmware optimisation
Module 3: Custom Command-and-Control (C2C) Integration
• Building a secure backend server for receiving location data
• MQTT, HTTPS, and SMS-based uplink methods
• Data parsing, deconfliction, and alerting workflows
Module 4: Leveraging iOS & Android Native Ecosystems
• Deep dive into Apple Find My / Google Find My Device
• Embedding AirTags, modifying BLE beacons to mimic native behavior
• Understanding device discovery protocols and reporting patterns
• iCloud / Google Device Manager observability and evasion
Module 5: Covert Deployment Tactics
• Concealment strategies: asset integration, packaging, RF shielding
• Burn time estimation and battery optimisation
• Recovery planning and emergency kill-switch logic
Module 6: Hands-On Project – Build & Track
• Build: Assemble and flash a GPS/BLE-based tracker
• Link: Connect it to a C2C platform and simulate beaconing
• Deploy: Simulate a field tagging mission with follow-up recovery
• Debrief: analyse effectiveness, signature, and tracking performance