NCJ Number
145187
Journal
Police and Security News Volume: 9 Issue: 5 Dated: (September-October 1993) Pages: 3,47-50
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Automatic vehicle location technology now includes satellites and high-frequency radio networks that can locate a vehicle or police officer within inches.
Abstract
Combined with sophisticated software, these systems are being installed in vehicles, slipped into drug cargoes, and even carried in briefcases. The police department of Schaumberg, Ill. uses a $3.5-million system based on Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) for 40 patrol cars. Receivers in each patrol car receive signals from a network of overhead satellites, compute the car's location, and transmit the data to the communications center via a radio link, where it is displayed on an electronic map of the city. GPS was developed by the Department of Defense for $12 billion as a way to pinpoint locations anywhere on Earth and uses 24 satellites. Police agencies near six major metropolitan areas that are unable to purchase and operate their own systems can purchase the service from PacTel Teletrac. In addition, a unit the size of a briefcase is available for tracking individuals.