This paper details the current status of the development of an ‘automatic’ low-cost system based on wireless communications technology to provide continuous tracking of the location of devices in all environments. This task requires a multi-disciplinary approach combining communications systems design, digital signal processing to extract ranges and, importantly, approaches from the field of geodesy to develop novel network positioning techniques for ad-hoc networks. Such a network will support a number of services relevant to crime management where seamless tracking is required. The paper discusses the process for developing the system, christened intelligent pervasive location tracking (iPLOT), with a particular reference to user and system requirements, and how these have been used to explore a network positioning strategy.