ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Using GPS technology to eliminate the dangers of a high-speed chase: That's the idea behind a new tool the Rockford Police Department (RPD) is looking to add to its arsenal.
For at least a decade, Virginia-based StarChase has offered its GPS tagging and tracking technology to departments around the world. The Rockford Police Department is one step away from making this a reality for them.
High-speed police chases can put the community and officers at risk; Something Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd never wants to see.
“It provides us with a unique opportunity to ensure the safety of our residents and our officers,” said Chief Redd. “The last thing that could happen to us is for someone to become a victim of a fleeing vehicle.”
To mitigate this risk, RPD wants to use Starchase's GPS darts, which will stick to a vehicle regardless of the weather and track where they are moving.
“If you had told me when I started 24 years ago that we would be shooting GPS darts out of a patrol car, I would have called you crazy,” said Oak Brook Police Chief Brian Strockis.
Here's how this technology works: Officers either mount it on the front of their vehicle or have a handgun. As soon as a driver flees the scene of an accident, he fires the arrow, which sticks to the vehicle until it is lifted off.
“The technology allows us to keep an eye on the vehicles remotely. We don’t have to be hunting,” Redd says.
Chief Redd spoke with the Oak Brook Police Department about the devices. Chief Strockis says they have been using them weekly for three years. Globally, GPS darts have an 85% detection rate.
“Police pursuits are dangerous. It is equally dangerous to allow criminals no consequences for their criminal actions,” says Chief Strockis.
The proposal awaits a final vote Monday by the Rockford City Council.
“It’s not just about paving streets and keeping sidewalks safe; It’s to keep people safe,” said City Council Member Chad Tuneberg.
If council approves it, Chief Redd said they plan to purchase it by the end of the year and have it installed in January.
This purchase will cost nearly $126,000 and will be funded with funds from an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant.
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