ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Using GPS technology to eliminate the dangers of high-speed car pursuits: That’s the idea behind a new tool the Rockford Police Department (RPD) wants to add to its arsenal.

Based in Virginia for at least the last decade Star Tracking It introduced GPS tagging and tracking technology to departments worldwide. Rockford police are one step away from making this a reality for them.

High-speed police pursuits can endanger the community and officers; It’s something Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd would never want to see.

“This presents us with a unique opportunity to keep our residents and officers safe,” says Chief Redd. “The last thing we would hate to see happen is for someone to be the victim of a runaway vehicle.”

To reduce this risk, RPD wants to use Starchase’s GPS darts, which stick to the vehicle regardless of the weather and where they are going.

“If you would have told me when I started 24 years ago that we would be firing GPS darts from a squad car, I would have said you were crazy,” says Oak Brook Police Chief Brian Strockis.

This technology works like this: Officers will either have them mounted on the front of their vehicles or carry a hand-held weapon. When the driver flees the scene, he will fire a dart that will stick to the vehicle until it takes off.

“Technology allows us to track vehicles remotely. “We don’t need to be in hot pursuit,” Redd says.

Chief Redd spoke with the Oak Brook Police Department about the devices. Chef Strockis says they’ve been using them weekly for three years. Globally, the catch rate of GPS darts is 85%.

“Police pursuits are dangerous. Allowing criminals to avoid any consequences for their criminal actions is equally dangerous,” says Chief Strockis.

The proposal awaits a final vote from the Rockford City Council on Monday.

“It’s not just about paving the streets and keeping the sidewalks safe; it keeps people safe,” says City Council member Chad Tuneberg.

Chief Redd said if approved by the council, they plan to purchase it by the end of the year and install it in January.

This purchase will cost approximately $126,000 and use funds from an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant.

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