StarChase GPS Vehicle Pursuit Technology Intervention Tool – Video Link Included

 B-ROLL VIDEO FOOTAGE LINK FOR MEDIA PARTNERS: https://youtu.be/5jaiJikik0k

Police departments across the country must deal with the dangers associated with vehicle pursuits. Today, the White Settlement Police Department becomes one of the first agencies in North Texas to add a new technology tool to its fleet to increase the probability of apprehending fleeing suspects in vehicles, while also bolstering safety throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex during vehicle pursuits. The department has contracted with StarChase to tag and track fleeing vehicles as a smart solution to better assist officers and supervisors with managing pursuit risks. 

Officers were trained in both classroom and driving skills with the new technology on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at DFW International Airport. 

 Here is how the system works:

• Patrol vehicles are equipped with a vehicle mounted GPS launcher.
• Officers evaluate each vehicle pursuit and can make a decision to activate the StarChase system which arms a GPS tag mounted in the launcher. There are two tags in each launcher per vehicle. A green laser light is emitted on the fleeing vehicle assisting the officer with accurate placement of the GPS tag when deployed. 
• Officers can tag a suspect vehicle remotely with the touch of a button inside the patrol vehicle or by using the supplied key fob. 
• The tag uses magnetic and adhesive technology to stick to the fleeing vehicle. 
• Once a successful deployment occurs, the StarChase monitoring system activates a GPS cellular signal which activates a mapping feature in the Dispatch Center. 
• The pursuing officer can then decide on whether to continue or disengage emergency pursuit driving and back off from the fleeing vehicle, thereby reducing risks to the community and officer. Each situation will vary depending on the suspect’s actions, driving behaviors by the suspect, and the offense the suspect is fleeing from. 
• The GPS tag can track and locate the fleeing vehicle in real-time, without compromising officer and community safety.
• As the WEST COMM Dispatch Center continues to receive real-time updates on speed, direction of travel, and GPS coordinates, officers can be sent to the area without the suspect’s knowledge or awareness. The mapping feature can also manage situations where a suspect discards contraband or a firearm during a police chase, allowing officers to secure this contraband or firearm later. 
• Dispatchers, police officers, and supervisors can continue to monitor the fleeing vehicle until it comes to a stop. When the vehicle stops, responding officers can move into the location and continue the ongoing investigation of locating and apprehending the driver and occupants, while also recovering the fleeing vehicle. 
• Studies have shown that when offenders are not being actively pursued by emergency police vehicles, they return to normal and prudent speeds within 60 seconds, thereby enhancing safety for the motoring public. 
• StarChase reports an 85% apprehension rate after reviewing 10 years of data. 
• The department will utilize this technology as another tool for officers and supervisors to consider during certain types of pursuits. 

The White Settlement Police Department has been involved in over 70 active vehicle pursuits since 2019. This does not include the many incidents where a suspect fled from officers in a vehicle and was not actively pursued due to policy adherence or safety concerns.  

“While StarChase is not designed or intended to eliminate all vehicle pursuits, it is a technology that our leadership team wanted to evaluate,” said Chief of Police Christopher Cook. “We are optimistic that StarChase will create opportunities to allow the GPS mapping to position our responding officers in the best possible outcome to safely apprehend suspects and recover felonious vehicles. As an additional pursuit intervention tool, I look forward to seeing the results of this real-world technology in the North Texas region. Pursuits, while sometimes necessary, can be dangerous situations for officers and the community. We will continue to seek out alternatives and technology to balance these types of risks.” 

 Media Availability: Chief Cook is available to provide sound and showcase the technology on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Video B-Roll from White Settlement Police Department Training and Demonstration of the StarChase System: https://youtu.be/5jaiJikik0k

(The video includes drone, GoPro vehicle mounted-video, and handheld video from training that can be used by media).

To learn more about StarChase: https://www.starchase.com/

Photos attached to depict visual representation of the training and equipment.