The Seattle Police Department (SPD) has received a $250,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for Law Enforcement Pursuit Technology to help local law enforcement mitigate vehicle pursuits.

The SPD is now seeking the authorization of StarChase GPS tracking technology, which will allow it to track the precise location of a vehicle or individual believed to have connections with criminal activity. 

GPS Launchers to Equip 25 Patrol Vehicles, All Officers to Receive Training

All deployments of these devices are documented by the Technical and Electronic Support Unit (TESU) and are subject to audit by the Office of Inspector General and the federal monitor at any time.

The SPD plans to equip 25 patrol vehicles with GPS tracker launchers, and all sworn officers will receive training on this technology. 

Pursuit mitigation GPS trackers will be monitored primarily by the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), and information will be relayed to patrol units in the field. Patrol units can also monitor the trackers’ location directly if RTCC is unavailable.

Reducing Risk and Liability: SPD Aims to Curb Pursuits Through Technology

If successful, maintaining the GPS pursuit mitigation trackers would have an ongoing subscription cost of $37,500. 

According to a presentation made to the town council Public Safety Committee, SPD expects that cost savings would lie in the reduced liability from the decreased number of vehicle pursuits, which often result in litigation and damage to police cars.

SPD is required to “develop a plan to end the pursuit through the use of available pursuit intervention options.” They requested approval from the town council and mayor, which has been granted as of Tuesday, June 17, 2025. 

There are currently six police departments in Washington State already using StarChase.