Please place on the June 28, 2023 agenda a referral to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee to discuss the Police Department’s utilization of GPS tracking darts, which is a new technology intended to aid law enforcement agencies in tracking criminal suspects in fleeing vehicles, while simultaneously reducing the number of Police high-speed suspect vehicle pursuits.

Due to public safety concerns, there are inherent constraints and limitations in the Police Department’s ability to conduct high speed chases. The new technology, which was recently rolled out in a few cities, provides a safer way for Police to track and locate criminal suspects in fleeing vehicles by eliminating the vehicle pursuit/chase aspect from the suspect apprehension equation. Typically, a GPS launcher is mounted on the front of a Police patrol car and a GPS tracking dart can be launched from the police vehicle when within approximately twenty (20) feet of the suspect vehicle. The darts are 4 1/2 inch projectiles, that are coated in adhesive in order to stick to the suspect’s vehicle, which darts can then be utilized by Police to provide real-time location tracking that allows Police officers to continue tracking the suspect. Attached are a few articles relating to this new technology. 

As part of this referral, I would request that the Police Department research and explore this exciting new technology in order to address its merits, cost and potential utilization (perhaps even on a pilot program basis). I would further request that the City Attorney’s Office be prepared to address any Constitutional or other legal issues surrounding the potential implementation and utilization of GPS tracking darts by the Police Department.