The use of technology in law enforcement is constantly evolving, with police departments nationwide seeking safer alternatives to engaging in dangerous vehicle pursuits. One such innovation is StarChase, a GPS tracker embedded in an adhesive dart that officers can launch onto the vehicles of fleeing suspects. This allows law enforcement to track the vehicle remotely and apprehend the suspects without engaging in a high-speed chase.
The Chicago Police Department, facing mounting liability lawsuits related to pursuit crashes, has essentially banned vehicle pursuits except in the most critical situations. To assist in apprehending fleeing criminals, CPD has expanded its helicopter unit to locate and arrest suspects on the run. However, with limited resources and only a few helicopters available, alternative methods like StarChase are being considered.
The StarChase system utilizes compressed-air launchers mounted on police cars to fire a sticky and magnetic GPS-equipped projectile onto a suspect’s vehicle. This tracker provides real-time location data for up to eight hours, allowing law enforcement to monitor the vehicle’s movements without engaging in a pursuit. While the system has shown promise, there are challenges to consider.
In some cases, if officers do not closely follow a vehicle after deploying the StarChase tracker, suspects may abandon the vehicle and escape before law enforcement can arrive. This was demonstrated in a recent incident in Oak Brook, where police used a StarChase GPS dart during a retail theft but failed to apprehend the thieves. To improve the effectiveness of the system, CPD could consider pairing it with their helicopters equipped with advanced technologies for better coordination.
Despite the potential benefits of StarChase, concerns have been raised by activists like the ACLU regarding privacy and police surveillance. Some police departments, like Oakland, California, have discontinued the use of StarChase due to limited success in deployment and concerns over cost. The expense of equipping vehicles with launchers and the annual subscription fees can be significant, with one police department in Ohio reportedly paying $35,000 to equip just four vehicles.
While the use of technology like StarChase offers a promising solution to apprehending fleeing suspects safely, challenges remain in its implementation and acceptance by both law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders. As police departments continue to explore innovative tools for public safety, finding a balance between effectiveness, privacy, and cost will be crucial in determining the future of pursuits and apprehensions.
