The Supreme Court\u2019s recent opinion in Jones does not bar law enforcement\u2019s use of the
\nStarChase Pursuit Management System. In Jones, the Supreme Court held that long-term
\ntracking of a criminal suspect\u2019s automobile via a GPS device constituted an unconstitutional
\nFourth Amendment \u201csearch.\u201d<\/p>\n
The holding in Jones, however, is narrow, and does not bar law enforcement\u2019s use of the
\nStarChase Pursuit Management System, which is called into action at the commission of a crime.
\nThe Court in Jones did not hold that a warrant is required before a GPS device may be installed
\nand used to track an automobile. Rather, it only held that a Fourth Amendment \u201csearch\u201d has
\noccurred in such a situation. By failing to state that a warrant is required, the Court left open the
\npossibility that use of a GPS tracking device on an automobile may still be a reasonable search in
\nsome circumstances, such as immediately after the commission of a crime, even absent a valid
\nwarrant.<\/p>\n
The StarChase Pursuit Management System is used by law enforcement for short-term
\nmonitoring directly after the commission of a crime. Even though Jones makes clear that
\nattaching the StarChase GPS device and collecting information from it constitutes a \u201csearch,\u201d the
\nuse of the StarChase Pursuit Management System is reasonable under the Fourth Amendment
\nbecause the officers have probable cause to believe the vehicle they are tracking is being used in
\nthe commission or active escape from a crime. The StarChase Pursuit Management System is
\ndeployed in exigent circumstances, primarily, the high speed pursuit, stolen vehicle or other in
\nprogress felony. Such use under Jones remains constitutional.<\/p>\n
The StarChase mission is to increase law enforcement\u2019s safety zone in one of its most dangerous
\nand deadly situations thereby reducing the risk of property damage, personal injury and loss of
\nlife. The StarChase Pursuit Management Technology provides law enforcement with a tool that
\nallows for thoughtful, strategic and safe intervention in a high risk and dangerous situation.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n