The City Council has approved a three-year contract with StarChase for the Culver City Police Department (CCPD) after a previous tie-vote on April 29, 2024. This agreement will provide the CCPD with a projectile tagging device that can give real-time location and speed information to law enforcement officers.
The three-year contract was approved for an amount not exceeding $143,689 in a three to two vote. With StarChase, officers can use a foam tracking tag with a magnetic adhesive layer that sticks to the fender of a suspect vehicle. This GPS tracking tag can then give precise locations, speeds, and travel directions of vehicles evading law enforcement.
Despite engaging in 55 pursuits in 2023, with 40 being cancelled, only 15 pursuits would potentially benefit from this technology. The vehicle being pursued must eventually be stopped so that officers can attach the tag. However, CCPD Chief Jason Sims believes this technology can be an “de-escalation tool” in dangerous situations, allowing for safer arrests and limiting risks to officers and the community.
The decision to approve the StarChase contract comes as funding for the police department comprises nearly one-third of Culver City’s General Fund. This latest move is seen as a step towards improving safety and efficiency in law enforcement operations in the city.