High-Speed Chases: Are New Tech Solutions the Answer?

High-speed chases are dangerous, and the consequences can be devastating. A recent Department of Justice report highlights the risks, noting that these chases often end in crashes. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a tragic incident on New Year's Eve 2022 claimed the lives of Caroline Gill and Maggie Dunn. A police officer, trying to catch a suspect, accidentally struck and killed the girls. This shocking event has sparked a conversation about the need for safer pursuit methods. Tim Morgan, a former law enforcement officer, believes technology could be the key. After witnessing a deadly chase in 2008, he created Digital Siren, an alert system that warns the public when a chase is happening nearby. The system is simple and affordable, costing around $264 per vehicle annually. It sends a warning to users' phones when a pursuit is in progress, giving drivers a crucial 30 to 45 seconds to react.

Some departments have already started using Digital Siren, and the father of one of the girls killed donated money to install the system in squad cars. Another technology, Star Chase, allows police to shoot a GPS tracker onto a car, and some departments use a nylon net called "The Grappler" to stop fleeing vehicles. Despite these innovations, accessible data on police chases is lacking, making it hard to assess their full impact. The Department of Justice encourages agencies to explore emerging technology to reduce chase-related deaths and injuries. Until widespread adoption of these tools, law enforcement agencies must be proactive in finding safer ways to pursue suspects. Some Upstate departments in South Carolina have already implemented Digital Siren, and Morgan hopes more will follow.

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