The St. Ann Police Department has introduced new technology that would reduce police pursuits, and make a difference in the number of injuries and property damages related to them.
Star Chase is a GPS tracker that attaches to the suspect's car. The idea is that it helps reduce the amount of hazardous driving that police pursuits can often lead to, because police can back off and track their movements from further away.
Police Captain Jason West told KMOX's Maria Keena their main objective is preservation of life.
"The whole premise behind it is, when we back off, they slow down," West said. "That way they can go on about their getaway, per se, and that gives us the ability to watch them via GPS satellite and then coordinate a plan to come in."
West said Star Chase has been extremely helpful, and has seen a 50-70% success rate.
"Since inception of it, we've decreased our accidents from pursuits on average about 20% each year," he said. "So that's saved injuries, vehicle damages, public safety."
West adds that St. Ann residents are very supportive of the endeavor, knowing it will increase safety of officers and ordinary citizens.
West said that there are instances where a pursuit is more necessary, but when it comes to petty crimes that can't justify a dangerous chase, that's when Star Chase comes in.
Listen to the full conversation here: