Suffolk County Sheriff's Office using GPS-tracking darts to end dangerous police chases
YAPHANK, Long Island (WABC) -- The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office is rolling out new high-tech tools to stop dangerous police chases.
It's a first-of-its-kind system using GPS-tracking darts to tag fleeing vehicles and track them without a high-speed pursuit.
Eyewitness News got an inside look at exactly how the GPS tag works.
In a video demonstration, you can see an adhesive GPS tag launched from a law enforcement vehicle and attach to a fleeing suspect's car.
"It will adhere to the vehicle we are pursuing," said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr.
The newly-implemented technology at the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department is meant to protect officers and the public during a high-risk chase.
"They can deploy it from their vehicle, and the pursuit can then stop if the person does not pull over because we will ultimately know where they are at through GPS technology," Toulon, Jr. said.
On Thursday, there was a live demonstration of how the Starchase GPS tag is operated.
It can be deployed by the sheriff's deputies from inside or outside of their car using a remote.
"Some people wait for us to exit our vehicles before they flee, so being able to shoot a GPS is helpful if they are gaining ground on us," said Deputy Sherriff Aidan Pagano.
Toulon, Jr. said this allows officers the opportunity to stop following the vehicles while monitoring their exact location.
It has been used for a few weeks.
"As we get closer to the warmer weather, we are going to experience more individuals that think they can drink and drive and this technology will let us do it in the safest way possible," Toulon, Jr. said.
"Just make a plan ahead of time, let's make sure we make a plan and are responsible about it, ride share, and avoid getting on the road to begin with," said Regional Program Director Isai Fuentes.
Officials will not reveal how many sheriff cars are equipped with the GPS tags.
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