Pursuit Management: Fleeing Vehicle Tagging and Tracking Technology

• NCJ Number: 249156
• Author(s): Trevor A. Fischbach; Keo Hadsdy; Amanda McCall
• Date Published: September 2015
• Length: 58 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2010-IJ-CX-K022
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Test/Measurement; Report (Technical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored)

Annotation

This project field-tested and improved the technology of StarChase's tracking and tagging technology that enables law enforcement officers in the field to deploy a GPS tag onto a fleeing vehicle.

Abstract

This allows the pursuing officer to reduce his speed after the tagging, thus avoiding a lengthy high-speed chase that would increase the risk for fatalities and injuries to officers, fleeing suspects, and the general public. The launcher contains two GPS tags and is installed into the grill of the police vehicle. Deployment of the tag is done through the patrol car's interior control panel and/or remote key fob. The GPS tag on the fleeing vehicle transmits vehicle location updates every 2-5 seconds. Field trials with feedback from participating officers were conducted, and technology improvements in the system were performed. The field testing found that on average, a tagged fleeing suspect slowed to within 10 miles of the posted speed limit in less than 2 minutes, reducing the risk for a crash. Case study examples experienced no injuries, no fatalities, and no property damage. There was an 80-percent apprehension rate for suspects in tagged cars. Currently, the technology improvement has not eliminated a hydroplance effect when the tag impacts the target vehicle during rain or snow. Design alternatives continue to be explored. 14 figures, 4 tables, and 5 references