NCJ Number
198336
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 69 Issue: 12 Dated: December 2002 Pages: 39-42
Date Published
December 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article details the use of new technology by the Ohio State Highway Patrol in order to target and combat vehicle theft.
Abstract
Focusing on the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s efforts to reduce vehicle theft, this article discusses the use of new global positioning systems (GPS) technology in order to improve law enforcement services. After arguing that the United States’ new focus on homeland security has given law enforcement officials much greater responsibilities, the article discusses the ways in which Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies are working together in order to utilize modern tools in a high-technology environment. Focusing on the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s improved vehicle theft prevention plans, this author details the use of GPS technologies, planted into “bait” cars, which allows cars to be parked unattended, letting police officers perform other duties once they are no longer needed for surveillance. Partnering with other law enforcement agencies and local insurance companies dedicated to reducing vehicle theft, the Ohio State Highway Patrol purchased 10 GPS units and installed them in bait cars in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Elyria, and Toledo. Discussing the ways that GPS technology has simplified the use of bait cars in order to prevent vehicle theft, the author argues that GPS technology is but one example of the many ways that new technologies and partnerships are meeting increased demands for public safety and homeland security.