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Ohio police using GPS tech to track criminals in pursuits

Police said they purchased the GPS devices in hopes of reducing the number of pursuits

By Police1 Staff

CANTON, Ohio — Police officers in Ohio are utilizing new GPS technology to catch drivers who flee.

The Marietta Daily Journal reports Canton police are using StarChase GPS tracking devices in hopes that it will reduce the number of police pursuits and keep the public safer. The devices were purchased by Canton police over the summer.

The device projects a GPS tracking device that clings to the back of a suspect’s car and tracks it. Chief Mark Mitchell said the device will help police minimize the inherent dangers when a driver fails to comply and flees.

On Oct. 22, an officer attempted to pull over a driver for a broken taillight, but the driver fled.

Police were successfully able to track the vehicle using the StarChase system and eventually took the suspect into custody.

Mitchell said that he hopes his agency will approve the purchase of additional devices, which cost $5,000 per unit.