Many years ago, our founder, Daniel Todd, was volunteering at a youth camp retreat. One evening, another leader — a retired Navy SEAL Commander — shared powerful stories from his career. His most exciting, yet heartbreaking, missions took place in Haiti, where he rescued victims of human trafficking and shut down trafficking operations.
He told Daniel just how severe the problem was here in the United States. That conversation lit a spark.
Daniel began researching the crisis and found a report from the UN’s Polaris Project stating that 81% of human trafficking victims are transported over U.S. roads. His first idea was to scan trucks at rest stops using drones equipped with infrared cameras. But further research revealed that traffickers often use ordinary cars and trucks, with victims riding as typical passengers — making that approach ineffective.
Then came the breakthrough:
What if a victim could choose to carry a discreet tracking device that would lead police directly to them?
Daniel’s first thought was to use Apple AirTags — small, with long battery life — placed in women’s restroom stalls (since males are statistically more likely to abuse trackers). If a victim wanted help, they could take one and hide it in a pocket, sock, or shoe, and their location could be sent to law enforcement.
But testing revealed serious flaws:
• AirTags send “AirTag following you” alerts to nearby phones, tipping off traffickers.
• Location maps can’t be shared with anyone except the device owner.
• If there are no compatible phones nearby — or if a trafficker turns their phone off — the signal is lost.
Daniel knew a better solution was needed. So he built one.The GPS Rescue Tracker
A device that combines GPS and cellular technology into a package the size of an AirPods case. It sends a live map to police showing:
• Real-time location of the victim
• Travel speed in MPH
• Automatic shut-down if the device enters an area without GPS signal
The Rescue Tracker is stored in a secure dispenser that keeps the battery off until use. Victims must scan their fingerprint to take a device, which immediately sends a S.M.A.R.T. Alert — Secure Map and Rescue Tracker. (Named after Elizabeth Smart, whose story inspired Daniel.)
Police receive a secure link to the live map and real-time support from our nonprofit. Departments and dispatchers are trained on how to respond quickly and effectively. Proven in the Field
Initial tests have been outstanding:
• On a highway, police intercepted the “victim” in just 9 minutes.
• Other trials — including an interstate, a nighttime park, and a four-story hotel — averaged 13 minutes from activation to rescue.
“It’s like an Amber Alert with a live GPS feed,” one deputy said.
Another added, “It’s like a high-speed chase without the criminal knowing.”
From one rescuer sharing his story with another, an idea was born — one that we believe will bring real change to victims and communities for years to come.