They use a mixture of both depending on suspect and observed operational security measures. It’s much easier to leave a phone on at home while you go meet up with your connection, and if you drive an older car and don’t take any WiFi enabled or Bluetooth-connected devices (sports watches, BT earbuds, hiking gear, satellite radio, etc) then a physical tracker can guarantee much better data.
The nice thing about location-based data (not tower pings) is they don’t require a warrant, or even law-enforcement personnel. It’s open data on the free market. Great for dumb criminals.
I’m available for security consulting. /s (^/s) Unfortunately most are more interested in convenience than privacy and security.
They use a mixture of both depending on suspect and observed operational security measures. It’s much easier to leave a phone on at home while you go meet up with your connection, and if you drive an older car and don’t take any WiFi enabled or Bluetooth-connected devices (sports watches, BT earbuds, hiking gear, satellite radio, etc) then a physical tracker can guarantee much better data.
The nice thing about location-based data (not tower pings) is they don’t require a warrant, or even law-enforcement personnel. It’s open data on the free market. Great for dumb criminals.
I’m available for security consulting. /s (^/s) Unfortunately most are more interested in convenience than privacy and security.