In a bold move to enhance public safety, the Old Westbury Police Department on Long Island has embraced cutting-edge GPS technology to thwart high-speed chases and apprehend fleeing suspects. By equipping their patrol cars with StarChase GPS launchers, officers can now accurately track a vehicle's location even if they lose visual contact, a game-changing innovation that's set to redefine law enforcement in the digital age.
A New Era of Pursuit Management
What this really means is that the days of dangerous, white-knuckle pursuits through residential neighborhoods are numbered. As News12 reports, the GPS darts deployed by Old Westbury PD are designed to safely stick to a suspect's vehicle, transmitting real-time location data to the dispatcher. Officers can then catch up at a measured pace, avoiding the need to recklessly chase down fleeing cars.
Prioritizing Public Safety
The bigger picture here is that this technology represents a profound shift in policing priorities - one that unequivocally places public safety above the thrill of the chase. As CBS News reports, Old Westbury Police Chief Stuart Cameron is unapologetic about this approach, stating plainly: "I don't want the staff to get hurt. I don't want the public to get hurt, and I certainly don't want the people who are fleeing to get hurt either."
This ethos of de-escalation and minimizing risk is a welcome departure from the high-octane cop drama that has often defined police pursuits. By leveraging GPS tracking, Old Westbury is setting a new standard for responsible law enforcement that prioritizes the sanctity of human life over the thrill of the chase.
A Smarter, Safer Future
As WSHU reports, Old Westbury is the first village on Long Island to adopt this cutting-edge GPS technology, but it's a safe bet that other departments will soon follow suit. In an era where public trust in law enforcement is increasingly strained, innovations like these could help bridge the divide and demonstrate a genuine commitment to community-oriented policing.
While the initial investment of $36,000 to equip their patrol cars may seem steep, as Chief Cameron rightly points out, the cost pales in comparison to the potential liability and human toll of high-speed pursuits. This is a forward-thinking move that not only keeps criminals off the streets but also upholds the core values of safety and accountability that every police force should strive for.