‘Game-changing’ technology for remotely stopping cars

The Police Association says that remotely immobilizing cars could revolutionize crime prevention, particularly in the prevention of fleeing motorists.

According to the New Zealand Herald last year, annual pursuit incidents have more than doubled over the past decade, resulting in more than 400 serious injuries and 77 deaths.

From late 2020 onwards, police have only pursued fleeing motorists if there was a threat before the pursuit and an immediate need to apprehend the driver.

In addition to being politically controversial, the policy has also been contentious within the police force.

Several recent ram raids have reignited the debate and National Party leader Christopher Luxon today called for a review of police pursuit policies.

Chris Cahill, president of the Police Association, said: “There is no easy answer, and there won’t be until we are able to remotely immobilize vehicles.” In his opinion, feasible remote immobilization technology would likely be installed during manufacturing rather than at the dealership. Police in New Zealand may be able to use the technology if it could save lives by preventing crashes, according to Cahill. “We will have to see how practical this is.”One disadvantage, according to Cahill, is that many of the most commonly stolen cars are older models.

But he said the technology would be a game changer if more and more new vehicles were equipped with it.

According to automotive expert Clive Matthew-Wilson, car finance companies in the US are already using immobilization technology.

“Many hire purchase companies will immobilize your vehicle immediately if you fail to make a payment,” he stated.

Source: Star News