La Salle Sheriff Is Setting High-Tech Traps for Crooks
The La Salle County, TX, Sheriff’s Department has begun hiding tracking devices on numerous items around the city of Cotulla to determine if anybody steals them. Hiding places have included vehicles, air compressors, and lawn mowers.
In addition, cameras are concealed nearby to record anybody who takes the items. When the decoys are swiped, deputies can employ frequency detectors to find the items and arrest suspects who possess them.
Footage recorded on tape also assists prosecutors. A minimum of two arrests have been made so far under the system.
A Texas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers representative notes that law enforcement can conduct such initiatives so long as they do not do something over the top, such as putting money out in the open for anybody to steal.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) from the San Antonio Express-News (TX); 03/04/07; P. 5B; Zarazua, Jeorge.