Share
The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is rolling out a new safety feature in squad cars, the HAAS Alert System.
MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office is rolling out new software that officials say will alert drivers to emergency vehicles and improve safety: the HAAS Alert System.
What they’re saying:
FOX6 News got a first-hand look at the new tool on Friday. MCSO Chief Deputy Brian Barkow said the system is now installed in 50 squads. The sheriff's office has a marked fleet of roughly 80-to-90 vehicles.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
The sheriff’s office said people naturally react to an emergency vehicle within three seconds. The new software now gives drivers a 30-second alert and tells them how close they are to one of those vehicles.
Related
What if you knew an emergency vehicle was trying to pass you before you could see them? Some fire departments are using a new system that helps alert drivers of emergency situations.
Barkow said the new tool is aimed at preventing accidents and helps protect the public.
"Just to give you guys some numbers, last month, our squads alerted over 84,000 drivers on the Milwaukee County freeway system," he said. "Specifically, 84,750 drivers were alerted since June when we kind of began this."
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
MCSO officials said the alert system costs $8,000 per year to operate, but taxpayers will not contribute a dime. The agency uses asset forfeiture funds to cover the cost.
"The number one goal of this product was to provide increased safety for both our deputies as well as the motoring public," said Barkow.
Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles model year 2018 or newer already have the built-in software to receive the alerts.
"If you have, you know, iPhone, Android, you download the WAZE app," said Barkow.
The Germantown, Hartford and Slinger fire departments are actively using the technology, too.
The Source: The information in this post was provided by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office.
All the news you need to know, every day
By clicking Sign Up, I confirm
that I have read and agree
to the Privacy Policy
and Terms of Service.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 FOX Television Stations

source