ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – The Rockford Police Department utilizes cutting-edge technology designed to make the streets safer and lead law enforcement into the future.
The tracking device inside the Arrow Officers shoots at moving vehicles.(WIFR)
On November 18, the Rockford City Council approved the addition of StarChase GPS tracking and tagging technologies to RPD's arsenal. StarChase is a Virginia-based company that has provided this type of technology to departments across the country, including the Oak Brook Police Department.
“It gives us the ability to safely pursue vehicles that may be stolen or fleeing police,” said Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd. “We don’t need to engage in high-speed chases.”
Studies show that hundreds of people are killed in high-speed police chases each year, with one occurring almost every day.
“They are dangerous to our officers, they are dangerous to those we pursue, and they are dangerous to innocent bystanders,” said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “This is a safe and effective way to ensure we catch the criminals. That is our goal and our police are doing it brilliantly.”
The mounted tracking device from Starchase.(WIFR)
Thanks to a nearly $126,000 grant secured by Senator Steve Stadelman, RPD was able to purchase eight mounted devices and eight handguns. Stadelman attended a demonstration last year where he was able to try out a device firsthand.
“They allowed me to use a handheld, but I have to admit that I wasn't in a vehicle that was going 55 miles per hour behind another car,” Stadelman says.
Sergeant Jason Wood demonstrates how the handheld device works.(WIFR)
Oak Brook Police Department Sergeant Jason Wood led RPD through a demonstration of how the devices work. StarChase technology fires an adhesive-tipped GPS tracker from a moving patrol car at a fleeing target. Wood says when this tracker is attached to a vehicle, it will not move until it is physically removed.
“Studies have shown that fleeing offenders return to normal driving within about two minutes of not seeing police lights,” Wood said. “It allows us to follow this map and this car.”
A close look at Starchase's wearable tracking and tagging device.(WIFR)
According to Wood, officers have up to eight hours to locate and apprehend the suspect. He adds that the vehicle is recovered in at least 85% of cases and the suspects are often inside.
“It has been very successful for us, reducing a lot of accidents and injuries and easing a lot of litigation,” Wood explains.
RPD hopes to install the StarChase devices early next year.
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