Alderman calls for MPD to bring back GPS tracking darts
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- When it comes to addressing police chases that have ended in deadly crashes across this city, what was old might soon be new again. Ald. Lamont Westmoreland wants Milwaukee police to bring back an old crimefighting tool it used about a decade ago during pursuits.
In a hearing Friday, Oct. 3, about the 2026 city budget, the Milwaukee Common Council's finance committee heard from Milwaukee police leaders, including Chief Jeffrey Norman. Westmoreland expressed interest in revisiting the use of 'StarChase,' a GPS tracking device mounted to squad cars.
The technology allows officers to fire the tracking darts at a car they're chasing. If the device sticks, police can track the suspect from a safe distance.
Westmoreland said police need to try something different after eight people have died so far this year from crashes that stemmed from police chases.
"I'm not against chasing," Westmoreland said. "But I'm against when it becomes very dangerous, like traveling 80 miles an hour down residential streets."
The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) used StarChase between 2015 and 2018. Former police chief Ed Flynn brought in the technology and, in 2017, pushed to expand its use to outfit more than 18 squad cars.
A CBS 58 report from October 2017 found that in the first nine months of that year, MPD officers deployed StarChase 172 times. Of those uses, the devices stuck to the target car 116 times and eventually led to 47 arrests. Westmoreland said he considered those figures a success.
"It was accurate then," he said. "And I think it's gonna even more accurate now that they've had some years to improve their technology."
Flynn's successor, Alfonso Morales, dropped MPD's use of StarChase. Police leaders at the time cited the cost of nearly $5,000 per car, and they also said the devices were less effective in the cold.
During Thursday's hearing, Oct. 9, Norman said he'd consider bringing back the technology, but he also warned it's never as simple as using one tool when cutting down on pursuits.
"Those who want to flee know how to flee," Norman said. "A lot of times, what they do is wait for you to get out of your squad. As you approach, then they take off."
StarChase representatives did not respond to an interview request Thursday.
Westmoreland said he's had recent conversations with the company and received assurances they've made upgraded the product over the last seven years.
"I've been in contact with the company they used for this," he said. "And 100%, things are better."
Norman, Mayor Cavalier Johnson and other city leaders are expected to provide an update on citywide crime numbers in a briefing Friday morning. Norman told the committee Thursday there has been a slight increase in homicides from last year, but other major crimes have declined.
The police chief expressed some skepticism about relying on outside technology based on a vendor's presentation.
"I'm always cautious about companies. They will try to sell you the world," Norman said. "They can say, 'This can happen, that will happen' and unfortunately, from prior experience, some of those deliverables were not deliverables."