The Redmond Police Department recently deployed StarChase technology in patrol vehicles that enables officers to safely manage fleeing suspects while keeping police officers and community members safer.
StarChase uses GPS technology to provide real-time critical intelligence and improved situational awareness for law enforcement response during high-risk vehicle events such as pursuits. The technology allows an officer to tag a suspect vehicle with GPS enabled technology and then back off.
The suspect vehicle is monitored virtually, and when they stop, patrol units may approach and apprehend the suspect. The StarChase device is then easily removed without damaging the vehicle.
“Redmond Police Department is among a handful of agencies in Washington state participating in this program to test the efficiencies and effectiveness of the technology in the safe apprehension of fleeing suspects,” said Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe. “StarChase is a tactical tool that allows our officers to make an arrest while keeping our officers, the suspect, and community members safe.”
Redmond officers have had several successful suspect apprehensions with deployment since installation in January 2023. Officers assigned to patrol cars equipped with StarChase have gone through specialized training and are certified to deploy the equipment.
The StarChase program is grant-funded by the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority (WATPA). Feedback from the success rate will be provided to WATPA and Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) to provide input and recommendations to state legislators and the governor’s office about the efficacy of the technology.
StarChase has proven effective nation-wide on multiple felony and non-felony vehicle offenses ranging from fleeing, stolen vehicles, DUI’s, human trafficking, narcotics trafficking, and other offenses.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jill Green, Public Information Officer
425-556-2627
jgreen@redmond.gov