Los Angeles Police To Get Bond-like Weapon

Police in Los Angeles will soon have a new weapon in their arsenal. And it's no ordinary tool, they'll be issued a device worthy of James Bond to help police catch suspects in high-speed car chases.

Patrol cars in L.A. will soon have compressed-air launchers mounted on their bonnets that will fire a tracking device at a fleeing vehicle. Once the device is fired it will allow officers to keep an eye on the suspect's car from a safe distance, without having to race behind it.

The so-called "tag" that will be fired to the suspected car is equipped with a GPS device (global positioning system) and radio-transmitter. It will attach to the suspected vehicle, giving pursuing officers its location without having to interfere with other traffic.

LAPD Chief William Bratton's announcement about the new technology comes after a barrage of public criticism over recent incidents in which innocent bystanders have been injured during police pursuits. The roads of Los Angeles are home to a large number of high-speed police chases every year and broadcasts are frequently interrupted to show the dramatic pursuits live.

Police will begin using the device later this year.

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