Sheriff’s deputies in Suffolk County are experimenting with innovative firearms designed to launch GPS darts from police car bumpers onto suspects’ vehicles during high-speed pursuits.
This cutting-edge technology, called StarChase, has already facilitated the tracking and subsequent arrest of a drunk driver who refused to stop, as reported by authorities on Thursday.
Initiated several weeks ago, the program is currently being tested by the department’s DWI enforcement unit, marking it as the first in the county to utilize such technology, according to officials.
“We have encountered numerous individuals attempting to evade arrest, creating hazardous situations for themselves, our officers, and the broader community,” stated Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr.
“Equipping our DWI team with the StarChase GPS technology empowers them to safely apprehend individuals during high-risk incidents by providing real-time data on location, speed, and direction,” the sheriff explained.
If a driver clearly demonstrates an intention not to stop, officers are authorized to deploy the adhesive GPS tag onto the fleeing vehicle, according to authorities. However, the maximum range of these dart guns remains unspecified.
The dart then latches onto the car, giving officers and dispatch the ability to monitor the target’s real-time location, speed and direction without having to chase them through the streets.
Once the driver believes they got away and comes to a stop, the tracking officers are then able to swoop in and make the surprise arrest.
The system, according to officials, boasts an 85% success rate across a range of offenses — from drunk driving and stolen vehicles to human trafficking and narcotics — and could possibly find itself implemented on cop cars across the county to use beyond DWI enforcement.
With the new pilot program launching just weeks ago, Suffolk joins neighboring New York City and Old Westbury cops in Nassau County who both implemented the tech back in 2023.
Many residents said they’re in favor of the new technology.
“This is great,” said Holstville resident Wilma Ramos.
“If we have the technology, there is no reason for police to engage in dangerous, high-speed chases through Long Island or city streets that put people’s lives at risk,” she added.
