Why you can’t run from the police in New York anymore

If you get a stop sign from the police in New York, you can no longer drive away at high speed. At least you can, but thanks to a Batman-esque gadget, Mr. Agent can easily find you afterwards.

The New York Police Department cordoned off part of Times Square this week to demonstrate the new toy. It’s a projectile the size of a Coke can containing a GPS tracker.

The Batman-like system works just like in the movie

If someone is fleeing or in danger of someone running away, an officer can fire at the tracker with a modified AR-15 weapon or from a launcher in the front of his police car.

The system works just like in the movie. The moment the tracker hits its target, the thing sticks and stays in place. In this way, the police can follow in real time where a fleeing car is going.

New York wants less dangerous police pursuits

Its purpose is clear. According to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, police want to do everything they can to prevent high-speed car chases through the busy city.

Manufacturer StarChase also makes other GPS trackers

StarChase, the maker of what’s called the Guardian system, also makes GPS trackers for other purposes, including locating stolen cars and other goods.

The New York public is concerned about privacy

However, the New York City Police Department’s demonstration has drawn criticism from the Corps. According to data protection officials, the police did not comply with public participation laws and therefore did not give the public an opportunity to object.

During the Times Square event, the NYPD also displayed two robots: a four-legged replica of Boston Dynamics (known for the impressive and funny YouTube videos) and a wheeled surveillance robot.