GPS Tracking Darts May Help Avoid Police Chases

 Posted on October 08, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Police chases can be very dangerous. When officers engage in high-speed pursuits of people suspected of crimes, accidents can occur, and multiple people may be injured, including those who had nothing to do with the chase. Between 2015 and 2020, there were an average of 370 fatal car accidents throughout the United States that took place during police pursuits. Around one-third of the fatalities that occur in these accidents are innocent bystanders. To address this issue and help limit the risks of high-speed police pursuits, new GPS tracking technologies are being used.

While the use of technology may be meant to improve public safety, people affected may face concerns about violations of their rights. Anyone who is facing criminal charges related to the use of GPS or other technology by police can work with a skilled, experienced attorney to determine their best options for defense.

How GPS Tracking Tags May Be Used by Police

A technology that has been adopted by many police departments in recent years may allow for GPS tracking of suspects while avoiding chases that could endanger people. These systems consist of launchers mounted on police cars that can fire darts with GPS tags that stick to a suspect’s vehicle using adhesives and magnets. They are being used by police departments throughout the United States, including some in Connecticut.

By using GPS tracking darts, police officers can disengage from chases, with no need to pursue suspects through areas where others may be put at risk. This can help avoid potential accidents in which the suspect or the officer may proceed through intersections without stopping for red lights or stop signs, as well as accidents that may occur when a suspect or police officer loses control of their vehicle. Instead, officers can track a vehicle’s movements and apprehend the suspect later.

As with any use of technology by police, there may be some concerns about whether these devices may violate people’s rights. In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tracking a person’s vehicle using a GPS device without obtaining a warrant is an illegal search and a violation of the Fourth Amendment. However, police are allowed to conduct searches without warrants in certain circumstances. A suspect attempting to flee is a situation that would qualify for the use of GPS tracking without obtaining a warrant.

According to the ACLU, the use of GPS tracking darts by police is legal and is not a violation of people’s rights, as long as these devices are used as intended. They should only be used if an officer has probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and does not have time to obtain a warrant. Police should also take steps to apprehend a suspect as soon as possible and remove the tracking device at that time. If they use a GPS tracker to follow a suspect in order to gain information or evidence, this could constitute a violation of the person’s rights.

Contact Our Hartford Criminal Defense Attorney

When a criminal case involves the use of technology, a variety of legal issues may arise. With the help of a skilled Connecticut criminal defense lawyer, a defendant can take steps to address these concerns and develop a successful defense strategy. At Woolf Law Firm, LLC, we understand the ways GPS trackers, electronic surveillance, and other related technologies can affect criminal cases, and we work to protect our clients’ rights as they defend against criminal charges. To set up a free consultation, contact us at 860-290-8690.