Detroit Cops Use OnStar For Stolen Vehicle Recovery

GM's OnStar is perhaps best known for providing turn-by-turn navigation and hands-free calls. But how about using it to recover a stolen vehicle?

As perhaps a bid to gain further traction with law enforcement, General Motors (with the help of ad agency Campbell-Ewald) developed "Cop Cam TV," which features a video of officers tracking down and recovering a stolen Chevrolet Tahoe.

In the video, which was filmed in the Greektown section of Detroit, a stolen SUV makes its getaway, and officers use Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, a new technology enhancement added to 2009 and 2010 OnStar vehicles.

In a footage filmed along the I-375 corridor, OnStar uses GPS to guide police toward the getaway route of the stolen Tahoe. Once in sight, the officer radios in, and OnStar first uses its latest technology to flash the vehicle's lights to provide positive ID. When the officer reports safe conditions, OnStar sends another signal to bring the stolen SUV to a gradual, safe stop. The thief is arrested.

"This is incredible OnStar technology, so we just wanted to recreate the experience of exactly what happens with Stolen Vehicle Slowdown," said  Bill Ludwig, Campbell-Ewald's chief creative officer. "We're just as enthusiastic about taking greater advantage of Michigan's growing video production expertise. It would be even better if commercials were included in the Michigan production tax credit. Then OnStar could benefit, we could create even more Michigan jobs, and we'd drive ROI to at least $1.50 on the dollar back to the state."

Remote Ignition Block, which keeps a stolen vehicle from starting, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown are seamless technology enhancements to the OnStar Stolen Vehicle Assistance service, which is now available on select 2009 and 2010 GM vehicles.

For more information about GM's police fleet options, visit the company's fleet division website.