Chief Brett Matheis and Chief Sebastian Donaruma attended the International Chiefs of Police Association Training Conference. During the conference the chiefs attended a demonstration on new pursuit ending technology and entered a drawing to win a StarChase Pursuit Management System. The winning ticket selected was held by Chief Matheis.
Realizing that this unit would be more of a benefit in Hunterdon County in the hands of Readington Township which is much larger geographically, Chief Matheis and Donaruma worked with StarChase to transfer the system to the Readington Police Township Police.
April 6th, 2015 Readington Township Police went online with the Pursuit Management Technology from StarChase. A launching system installed in the front grill of a police car shoots a miniature GPS module that sticks to the back of the car being pursued. Officers can then back off their pursuit and converge on the suspect by tracking the GPS signal.
Readington Township Police are the first law enforcement agency in New Jersey to have this technology. Both Chiefs strongly support technology and/or equipment that help officers perform their duties without jeopardizing officer or public safety. StarChase's President, Trevor Fischbach, who is also from New Jersey added "StarChase is pleased to have established a partnership with our first New Jersey agency. We support their efforts to adopt 21st Century Policing tactics that will allow them to address virtually all high risk vehicle related situations, including pursuits."
Chief Matheis stated "Readington Township is significantly larger than the Town and this StarChase unit is a much better fit for their use. They border other larger municipalities in both Hunterdon and Somerset County putting them in a prime location to offer mutual aid assistance to other towns with this technology which can prevent an unnecessary vehicular pursuit".
Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns, III, stated "I commend Chief Matheis and Chief Donaruma for their leadership and vision in exploring new technologies and implementing them where appropriate. While vehicular police pursuits are sometimes necessary in the apprehension of criminals, the safety of our citizens and Police Officers are always paramount. This cutting edge equipment can help save lives, reduce the potential for injuries and help to preserve the quality of life here in Hunterdon County."
Chief Donaruma thanked Chief Matheis and the Town for Clinton stating "this is another great example of the incredible working relationship among Hunterdon County Law Enforcement".
