The Delta Police Department hasn't rolled out its StarChase technology just quite yet.
Officers will be able to tag a fleeing vehicle with a GPS tracking dart and then track the vehicle from a safe distance with the technology, allowing them to apprehend the driver and occupants once the car stops.
Police made an announcement about the new technology in February.
It was purchased with assistance from the Delta Police Foundation.
Over the previous months there has been much background work done to initiate its implementation, said public affairs coordinator Sharlene Brooks.
Since Delta police are the first in Canada to utilize this technology, the department has needed to draft policy prior to implementation, she explained. She said front line officers are currently being trained in the use and deployment of the technology.
Brooks said police expect StarChase to be in operation by late fall.
The legalization of marijuana will include a "challenging transition period where police will be expected to handle emerging issues, some of which may not be foreseen," according to a report from Delta police Chief Neil Dubord.
The report to the Delta police board notes a federal task force created to develop a strategy for implementing marijuana legislation is anticipated to submit its plan to the federal government early next year.
The report looks at potential impacts to local police departments. It notes saliva-based roadside screening devices are under development to enforce drug impaired driving and that while Delta has one drug recognition expert in the traffic section, additional patrol members may need to be trained. Training costs approximately $5,000 and is only available in the U.S. The report also lists reasons why organized crime could remain involved in a marijuana black market. They include pricing competition, age restrictions and licensing regulations.
"Delta has been impacted by streetlevel drug trafficking and associated violence," the report states. "As legislation is implemented, the unintended consequences of a spike in street-level gang violence may occur as new 'turf' is established."
The Delta Police Department is currently at the research stage when it comes to equipping its officers with naloxone, an antidote to opiate overdoses.
