The Future of Law Enforcement
Massachusetts State Police’s Use of GPS Tags and What It Means for Arizona
The evolving landscape of law enforcement is introducing new technologies that could significantly impact both criminal defense strategies and civil litigation. One of the latest developments comes from Massachusetts, where the State Police have adopted a novel approach to avoid dangerous high-speed chases—using GPS tracking tags to monitor fleeing vehicles.
How the Technology Works
As reported by the Boston Globe on September 14, 2024, Massachusetts State Police have equipped some of their cruisers with StarChase technology, which allows officers to fire GPS tags at vehicles that refuse to stop. These tags adhere to the vehicle using heated adhesive and a magnet, tracking its location without the need for a risky pursuit.
With the push of a button, police can deploy these tags from a double-barreled launcher mounted on the front of their cruisers or via a handheld device. Once attached, the vehicle’s movements are tracked in real-time, allowing officers to back off and monitor the vehicle safely from a distance.
A Solution to High-Speed Chases
Police pursuits can be deadly. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that, on average, 370 fatal crashes occur annually due to high-speed chases. By reducing the need for such pursuits, this technology aims to prevent these tragic outcomes. From May through early September 2024, Massachusetts State Police reported a 76% success rate in deploying these tags, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of this system.
Why This Matters for Arizona
While this technology is currently being used in Massachusetts, it’s worth considering how it might affect law enforcement practices here in Arizona. With high-speed chases being a persistent issue nationwide, Arizona police departments could consider adopting similar GPS tracking tools to mitigate risks to the public and officers.
For attorneys practicing criminal defense in Arizona, this new approach raises important questions:
• Fourth Amendment Concerns: The use of GPS trackers without a warrant may provoke constitutional challenges regarding privacy and unreasonable searches. If police departments in Arizona adopt this technology, it’s crucial to examine whether such tactics comply with state and federal laws on search and seizure.
• Evidentiary Challenges: GPS data obtained from these tracking devices could be presented as evidence in court. Defense attorneys will need to scrutinize how and when these tags were deployed, ensuring that all procedures were followed lawfully. Any missteps in deployment, such as operator error or failure to establish probable cause, could open the door for suppression of evidence.
• Changes in Defense Strategy: The reduced likelihood of high-speed pursuits might change how certain cases are prosecuted. Defending against charges related to fleeing law enforcement may now involve not just questioning the conduct of the chase but also the deployment of these tracking tags.
Civil Liability and Potential Lawsuits
In addition to its implications for criminal defense, the use of GPS tags could impact civil lawsuits. If this technology reduces the number of police chases, it could also decrease the number of civil claims related to injuries or fatalities resulting from such pursuits. However, wrongful death claims may still arise if the deployment of a GPS tag leads to a delayed response by police or other adverse outcomes.
Moreover, the ACLU has expressed concerns about the potential overreach of surveillance technologies, as mentioned in the Boston Globe article. While the group acknowledges that using GPS tracking could be appropriate when police have probable cause and no time to obtain a warrant, their public stance serves as a reminder to scrutinize these methods carefully.
Staying Informed and Prepared
As law enforcement continues to integrate new technologies like GPS tracking, it’s vital for attorneys to stay informed and prepare for the legal challenges these tools may bring. Whether you’re defending a client in a criminal case or litigating a civil matter involving police conduct, understanding the implications of these technologies will be key.
If you or a loved one faces charges involving a police pursuit or other law enforcement action, working with an experienced attorney who understands the rapidly changing legal landscape is essential. At AJB Law Firm we remain committed to providing cutting-edge defense strategies and protecting the constitutional rights of our clients. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Sources:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
