River Forest officials took steps to add updated technology to the police department’s options when pursuing a suspect in a vehicle.
At the Nov. 17 village board meeting trustees unanimously approved the purchase of a modernized vehicle tagging system capable of safely tracking fleeing suspects.
The $40,000 cost of five Guardian VX vehicle-mounted launcher systems from StarChase LLC of Virginia Beach, VA, includes mounting hardware, installation support and training as well as one year of maintenance and software support.
Police Chief James Greenwood said the cost will be covered through the Illinois Attorney General Organized Retail Crime Grant Program, adding that the yearly subscription for software support and service plan will cost $7,500, which will be funded through the department’s operations budget or future grant awards.
Greenwood told officials that the Guardian VX system allows officers to deploy a GPS tag onto a fleeing vehicle from a safe distance. Once tagged, the vehicle can be tracked in real time, allowing officers to disengage from a dangerous pursuit while maintaining full situational awareness. This approach aligns with national best practices for pursuit management and the department’s commitment to reducing risk to the public, officers and property, he said.
Greenwood said in an optimal deployment of the technology, law enforcement officers position their patrol vehicle close behind a suspect’s vehicle, typically within 10 to 20 feet. Mounted on the front grille of the police car, the system launches a GPS tag that adheres to the fleeing vehicle. Once the tag is attached, it begins transmitting real-time location data, allowing officers to disengage from a high-speed pursuit.
This de-escalation reduces the risk to both the public and officers, he said. Meanwhile, dispatch or command personnel can monitor the suspect’s movements remotely and coordinate a safer, more strategic interception once the vehicle stops or slows down. This approach enhances safety while maintaining effective suspect tracking.
The department has utilized a handheld version of the StarChase device since 2024 but only has a single unit. Greenwood said the device “has proven effective in the field” and “has helped us safely manage incidents involving fleeing vehicles.”
In response to a question from Trustee Erika Bachner, Greenwood said the tracking device is only active during a pursuit and not perpetually.
In response to a question from Trustee Katie Brennan about the speed of the device when launched, he compared it to a Nerf dart.
Greenwood said StarChase is the sole manufacturer and distributor of this patented technology.
“Their system is unique in its ability to safely tag and track suspect vehicles in real time, and no other vendor offers a comparable product,” he said, adding that other departments are using StarChase products including Downers Grove and Oak Brook.
Greenwood said he expects complete implementation by early 2026.
He said the Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency (IRMA), the village’s insurance carrier, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have approved use of the technology.
“IRMA has expressed support for the use of this technology as a means to reduce risk and liability associated with vehicle pursuits,” Greenwood said. “IRMA recognizes the value of tools like StarChase in minimizing the dangers of high-speed chases and has provided grant funding to support the purchase of our existing handheld unit. Their endorsement further reinforces the value and safety benefits of this investment.”
Regarding civil liberties, he said the ACLU has reviewed the technology and has publicly stated that it does not raise civil liberties issues when used appropriately.
“Specifically, the ACLU supports its use in situations where officers have probable cause and do not have time to obtain a warrant, such as during active vehicle pursuits,” Greenwood said.
“They also emphasize that tracking should end once the suspect is apprehended. These are standards we fully support and will follow.”