MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop C Headquarters-891 Technology Drive-Weldon Spring, Mo 63304

NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Al Nothum
(636) 300-2800
C-2016-31
August 30, 2016

EMPHASIS: Augmented Reality System (ARS) Installed In Missouri State Highway Patrol Aircraft

The Missouri State Highway Patrol announces a new Augmented Reality System (ARS) which has been installed in Patrol aircraft to assist pilots in locating and identifying potential suspects and vehicles. As a pilot is following a suspect or vehicle, the officer can call out the location information by simply looking at the display in the cockpit.

ARS is an advanced mission management and mapping system designed to augment full motion video in real time with geospatial information. The system uses addresses, roadways, businesses, etc., and overlays them on the video images from the forward looking infrared camera (FLIR). This system also makes it easier to operate the camera, because instead of looking away from the camera to look at a map, all the information appears on the screen.

This technology is a significant addition to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s resources. The high definition images from the camera will be more clear, day or night, making it easier to locate and identify missing or wanted persons, and in some cases, evidence.

On August 20, 2016, the Missouri State Highway Patrol was conducting an aircraft operation on Interstate 70 in St. Charles County. During the eight-hour operation, the pilot checked two separate motorcyclists traveling at a high rate of speed. When troopers attempted to stop the motorcycles, both motorcyclists refused to yield to the troopers and pursuits ensued. The pilot was able to follow both motorcycles and guide officers to their locations using the ARS. One of the motorcycle operators was arrested and additional felony drug charges are being sought at this time.

The only 100 percent survivable crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Every day as we travel on Missouri’s roadways, we trust that every driver on the road is going to obey the speed limit, pay attention, and drive sober. “Don’t Violate The Trust.”
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