Denver Police Test GPS Technology That Could Replace Suspect Pursuits
DENVER (CBS4)- High-speed police chases can put innocent bystanders and officers in danger. The Denver Police Department is testing a system designed to make vehicle pursuits safer.
"We recognize the inherent dangers of police chases. I think we can avoid that using this technology," said Ron Thomas, DPD Division Chief of Patrol.
The pursuits can end in crashes that put innocent bystanders and officers in danger.
The tracking technology, developed by Star Chase, could be a safer alternative to pursuing suspects on the run.
During DPD's pilot program, certain patrol cars will be equipped with a device that uses compressed air to deploy an adhesive tag onto the suspect's vehicle. Once it has been attached, officers will be able to track the vehicle to its destination using GPS.
"Officers arrive quickly and take those suspects into custody without engaging in a pursuit at all," said Thomas.
DPD will test the equipment in communities that have higher crime rates. Denver police say they've already had two successful deployments and have been able to recover two stolen vehicles.