But what about the lost ratings?
A paintball-like technology could end car chases in Los Angeles, and maybe across the country, if a system being tested in Southern California delivers what the company that makes it promises.
The Los Angeles Police Department is testing a new secret weapon to halt high-speed pursuits: smart darts.
The LAPD will use air-propelled miniature baseball size “tags” equipped with a global positioning system. The officers fire the darts, which stick to a fleeing motorist’s car, and within minutes can find and track the suspect’s location.
It seems like the biggest losers if this works out will be the tv stations that have become accustomed to an easy ratings boost by following every high-speed pursuit that comes down the pike.
Anybody in law enforcement reading this, I’d be interested to know how useful you think this product is going to be. I like the concept, but I have this nagging feeling that its usefulness is being overstated. Maybe you can set me straight on this one.
Related Link: StarChase, the inventor of the device. (Good luck trying to reach their website; I’ve been getting a “Daily Bandwidth Exceeded” message.)
It’s about time the LAPD caught up with the action movie industry.
What is next for LA? Stallone being dethawed and a Taco Bell monopoly.
How, exactly, is these GPS “dart” things supposed to attach to the car? Is it supposed to be stuck on the side of the car, or tossed through an open window?? This seems like a good idea but will it actually work in the real world? I doubt it…but we shall see.
Anyone remember the Carlin rap about having the sucker-cup darts to tag the cars of idiots (he used another term of course)and when someone got X darts they would lose the right to drive?
I want a launcher for my car that sends a WIFI transmitter at the car being driven by an idiot. One connected others can updated just how stupid the driver is daily.
A simple question begs to be asked from cops shows and movies galore. What’s the plan when a fugitive ditches the car once pursuing police units are out of site?
Ah yes, George Carlin. One of my favorite comedians ( at least his early years). Who can forget his characters such as Al Sleet – the “hippy dippy weatherman” with his “Tonight’s forecast – DARK. Continued dark overnight, changing to widely scattered LIGHT in the morning.” And yes, I remember his bit about sticking darts on the cars of idiot drivers. 🙂
News? Batman’s been doing this for years. 🙂
Can’t you see the teeny-tiny writing in the corner of the box?
“(Driver not included.)“
I can’t believe I agree with Paul. Marvelous idea.
If you could hit their car with the GPS dart, why not a high energy EMF? It would disable the car faster then a tire strip. The cops wouldn’t need to drop the chase. If the car is stolen then less likely hood it will be totaled. The Police could even pick the moment to activate it.
I like it. Good one Paul.
I’m thinking the resources saved from car chases might need to be moved to the anti carjacking squad. Dude’s on the run and he can’t keep the car. He’s gonna want another one… quickly.
Is there any way that I can be traced using a GPS reciver thorugh internet, like if am outside and my GPS is working is there any application by which anybody can trace me sitting on computer?
Is there any way that I can be traced using a GPS reciver thorugh internet, like if am outside and my GPS is working is there any application by which anybody can trace me sitting on computer?