GPS tracking darts

The Delta Police Department (DPD) is the first in Canada to introduce new technology to help track vehicles that fail to stop for police. The department launched its first GPS tracking dart onto a vehicle that failed to stop on January 11, ushering in a new era in public safety.

The StarChase Pursuit Management Technology is a web-based application that allows officers to track suspect vehicles by attaching a GPS dart launched from the front of the police cruiser to the rear bumper or licence plate of the fleeing car. Police can then fall back and monitor the location of the vehicle without engaging in a high-speed pursuit.

“There were more than 70 ‘fail to stop’ incidents in 2016 and we needed to look at available options that would help us address this issue,” said Sharlene Brooks, DPD Public Affairs Coordinator, as she discussed the benefit that the StarChase Technology could provide for the department. “There’s always inherent risk involved when you’re engaged in a pursuit, but innovative tools like StarChase allow us to effectively police while reducing this risk.”

E-Comm dispatcher Patty Allan assisted officers during DPD’s first deployment of the GPS tracking dart. “It’s something I definitely wasn’t expecting to hear over the air,” said the 10‑year dispatching veteran. “10-4. StarChase deployed.”

“As dispatchers, we are responsible for tracking the suspect vehicle while officers take into account the information we give them to determine the best way to apprehend the suspect.”

Patty Allan, E-Comm dispatcher

In the event of an activation, dispatchers log on to the StarChase website where they can see all eight Delta police cars that are equipped with the technology, including their location and where they are going. Once the dart is deployed, the car will change colour on screen and E-Comm staff will then monitor the suspect vehicle and provide updates to officers.

“The key feature of this technology is that police don’t have to engage in high-speed pursuits,” remarked Allan. “As dispatchers, we are responsible for tracking the suspect vehicle while officers take into account the information we give them to determine the best way to apprehend the suspect.”

DPD Chief Constable Neil Dubord explained how this technology would not have been made available to his department without the support of the Delta Police Foundation.

“I do believe it is incumbent on us to employ advanced technology options that may assist us in our efforts to be effective at doing our job while mitigating risk to the public. When we first began looking into options to address the increasing number of ‘fail to stop’ incidents in our community, StarChase caught our eye and thankfully the Delta Police Foundation agreed to fund the project—we are very appreciative of their support.”