American Police Discovers New Use for GPS Technology
American police is now relying on
GPS technology to ascertain the exact location of the suspect’s car without the
need to risk their lives and the lives of civilians. Initially, it would look
like something straight from a James Bond film, but new technology is developed
wherein the GPS system is integrated into the bullet.
The maturation of the GPS bullet
is envisioned to make high-speed chases safer to police authorities. GPS
bullets work by making a button located inside a police car. This would trigger
a lid to pop up and release a bullet that will stick to the chased vehicle.
Once the bullet connects to the
suspect’s car, authorities can break off the chase as the suspect’s vehicle
location can be identified in real time, through the central GPS command
center.
The entire police department has
expressed keen interest in using the new GPS technology, as there is a clear
operational future for the said technology.
Dubbed as the Starchase, the system
for GPS bullets is already at work in four US states that include Colorado,
Iowa, Arizona, and Florida. The developers of this technology are now eyeing to
bring the system into the United Kingdom.
However, this technology is quite
costly as a single bullet cost $500 dollars and the entire system would require
$5,000 to be installed in the patrol car.
It is hoped that with the massive
utilization of GPS bullets in the near future, corresponding costs will
significantly drop and make the system more affordable.
Earliest Uses of the GPS Technology
Originally, the Global
Positioning System or GPS are designed to aid military navigation. From its
humble beginning, the use of the GPS technology has become more widespread. The
discovery of new applications for GPS technology has given more functionality
to a number of industries. This is beyond its main function to receive
satellite signals and determine position information.
Primarily, GPS technology is
utilized to provide sets of coordinates based on the specific location of the
GPS unit in relation to the elevation, longitude, and latitude of the planet.
GPS is also used to determine the most accurate time.
The earliest application for the
GPS technology is the simple tracking device. Tracking is useful because it
enables the command tracking center to monitor the position of vehicles of
people in real time. This encompasses the need to relay the information
explicitly and quickly.
Concern for privacy
The ever-increasing connectivity
of cars through the GPS system, however, raised questions about the privacy of
drivers. Transport groups and vehicle owners renewed calls to effect the
balance between convenience and safety, without affecting driver’s privacy.
The American Police Department
was quick to address the privacy issues, saying that although the police knows
everyone who breaks the law and what they are doing because of the car GPS,
they maintain that the data are confidential and they do not supply the
information to anyone.
Nonetheless, also pointed out the
need to pause and evaluate to make sure that the GPS technology is not just use
for technology’s sake, but to serve a purpose that will serve the common good
of all American citizens. Other ways to track vehicles must be explored in
order to avoid possible problems on civil liberties.
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