The Seattle City Council has approved the Seattle Police Department’s adoption of new vehicle tracking technology despite concerns from local civil liberties groups. The technology, developed by StarChase, involves a GPS launcher mounted on patrol cars that can be used to track suspect vehicles without a warrant, provided there is reasonable suspicion.
Background and Approval
The 8-1 vote was required under the city’s 2017 surveillance technology law. Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck was the sole dissenting vote. The new technology is part of a two-year pilot program involving 25 patrol cars.
How the Technology Works
The StarChase system includes a GPS launcher that officers can use to shoot a cylinder-shaped device onto a suspect’s vehicle. The device attaches using both a magnet and adhesive. The Seattle Police Department already uses GPS tracking devices, but these require a warrant. The new technology allows for tracking without judicial approval if there is reasonable suspicion.
Law Enforcement and Civil Liberties Perspectives
Law enforcement officials across the nation, including 14 agencies in the Puget Sound region, use StarChase’s technology. Seattle police Capt. James Britt reported an 86% national success rate for the device sticking to vehicles and leading to apprehensions, though Seattle’s success rate is lower at 52% due to wet weather conditions. The battery life of the trackers is approximately eight hours.
However, civil liberties groups have expressed concerns. Tee Sannon, director of the ACLU of Washington’s Technology Policy Program, stated that the technology enables warrantless surveillance and raises privacy concerns regarding data retention and sharing.
Context and Future Implications
The adoption of this technology follows a period of scrutiny over police pursuits after the 2020 racial justice protests. While the Washington Legislature initially curtailed police pursuits in 2021, lawmakers later relaxed these restrictions in 2024 due to complaints from police officers about suspects fleeing without fear of chase. The Seattle Police Department views the StarChase technology as a smarter alternative to high-speed chases.
The two-year pilot program is supported by a $250,000 state grant. If Seattle decides to continue the program after the pilot, it will cost the city just under $40,000 annually to maintain.
