Deputies Debut GPS Tagging System To Map Crime Scenes, Evidence
MONTEREY PARK (CBS) — A new computer system that can instantly map locations using GPS satellite technology was recently used to retrieve narcotics evidence allegedly thrown from a suspect's car, deputies said Friday.
KNX 1070's Vytas Safronikas reports the GeoTag system allows deputies to easily "tag" a geographical location using the mobile digital computer system in their patrol cars.
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"It communicates with our mapping software, and the mapping software communicates with our servers," said Deputy David Chee.
While deputies engaged in a pursuit typically have to explain over the radio to assisting deputies the approximate location where they can find tossed evidence, the description usually zeroes in on an area about one-eight of a mile.
But with the GeoTag system, any deputy with the in-car system will go directly to the pinpointed spot.
"When a deputy's in a pursuit, and he sees a suspect perhaps throw something out the window — maybe it's a gun, maybe it's contraband or dope — the system can deploy a 'geo-tag' or what we call a 'bread crumb'," said Chee.
The system was used about 11 a.m. on Dec. 9, when deputies patrolling in the Lancaster area saw a 2010 Scion being driven in a reckless manner.
Deputies said they tried to stop the motorist, but the vehicle sped off.
During the chase, the driver threw some plastic baggies containing a white powder out of the vehicle, and the deputies used the new computer system to GeoTag the four exact locations where the evidence had been thrown by simply pushing a button on their computer.
Deputies eventually stopped the Scion and arrested Mohammed Kadri, 35, of Lancaster. He was booked on suspicion of various offenses, including felony evading arrest and possession of a controlled substance.
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