V.E.E.T.S.

What is VEETS?

VEETS stands for Visual and Electronic Evidence Tracking System. VEETS is a system for law enforcement organizations to keep track of criminal evidence thrown out by suspects in auto pursuits.

What happens in auto pursuits?

When suspects throw out evidence in an auto pursuit, the chasing law enforcement officer is usually too busy keeping an eye on the suspect, the surrounding traffic, pedestrians, and reporting to the dispatcher:

Looking around for a street address and/or intersection to inform the dispatcher about the whereabouts of the evidence may distract the officer
Stopping to collect the evidence is not an option, the officer will lose the suspect
It usually takes some time to other units to join the pursuit, and sometimes there are no backup units available

How does VEETS help?

When in pursuit, VEETS allows officers, with the push of a button, to instantly record the location where the piece(s) of evidence was(were) thrown out, with a +/- 10ft accuracy. This location can be retrieved from the VEETS website in real time. When the pursuit is over, officer and dispatcher can easily relocate the evidence from the VEETS website in a satellite 3D map. This evidence map can also be used as proof in trials.

It helps the officer to find the evidence to convict the suspect quicker and more efficiently
There will be no need to call for backup, the evidence has a higher probability of being found within a smaller radius
Since there is no need to call for backup, other officers can continue with their duties instead of helping in the evidence search
It helps to avoid accidents: a suspect may throw a loaded gun or even drugs. Children or animals can be harmed if they find the evidence
It also helps the environment. If evidence is found there is less chance of contamination, and helps keeping the city cleaner

What are VEETS features?

VEETS is a versatile electronic device:

It uses GPS technology to pinpoint evidence
It is easily installed in any law enforcement vehicle
It can be shared by several units
It can also be installed in boats (some minimum requirements needed)

How does VEETS work?

1. When suspect throws evidence, the officer in charge of pursuit pushes the VEETS button (please notice that unlimited evidence pinpoints can be recorded)
2. When pursuit is over, and evidence needs to be collected, the dispatcher (or even the officer in charge of the pursuit) logs into the VEETS system
3. The VEETS application will show a local map and the evidence pinpoint(s)
4. The VEETS application can also show an aerial map for better localization
5. The VEETS application can also show a 3D picture of the location, for even better localization (officer can use buildings, landscaping for better reference). This picture can be rotated and seen from N, S, E, or W

A prototype is scheduled to be released in September of 2008.

For more information please contact us