The Seattle Police Department is looking to roll out a new GPS tracking system aimed at ending high-speed pursuits. The proposal centers around StarChase technology, a GPS-based launcher that attaches a tracking device to suspect vehicles, allowing officers to follow them remotely and safely.
SPD Capt. James Britt told the city’s Public Safety Committee on Tuesday that the technology, with an eight-hour battery life, is not designed for continuous surveillance but rather as a tool to replace risky pursuits. “This is meant to help us locate the vehicle that flees from us and replace the need to pursue it,” Britt stated, adding that the policy for initiating a pursuit would remain unchanged.
Washington state law now requires police departments to mitigate the dangers associated with vehicle chases. Seattle’s adoption of this technology would be part of its compliance plan. Unlike existing tracking tools that require a search warrant, StarChase can be used more proactively during active incidents, as long as probable cause or reasonable suspicion is established.
The city has already received a $250,000 state grant to fund a two-year pilot program. The funds would outfit 25 patrol vehicles with StarChase systems. City Councilmember Bob Kettle described the pilot as a “no-cost” opportunity to evaluate the tool’s effectiveness using state money.
If the program proves successful, maintaining the technology would cost $37,500 annually. Advocates believe it could reduce liability and litigation expenses linked to high-speed chases. However, some council members are seeking more data from other cities using StarChase before making a final decision.
No formal vote has been taken yet, but interest in the technology remains strong among public safety officials and city leaders alike.
