The Massachusetts State Police will activate automated vehicle location (AVL) systems in all 1,087 marked police cruisers by end of day May 2.

The GPS technology is expected to enhance officer safety by allowing easy identification of the location of a police cruiser to supervisors and will also assist field commanders to more effectively deploy personnel in critical incidents and emergencies, according to a release from the governor’s office.

The department has issued a policy for the use of AVL technology and has begun training for troop commanders, captains, and lieutenants on how to use of the software. It will soon begin working on a plan to install the technology in other vehicles in the fleet.

In addition, following an overtime controversy primarily involving Troop E, the troop has been eliminated. Four former Troop E barracks were absorbed into three regional troops that cover the same area. As part of this change, 258 state police cruisers have been transferred from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to State Police ownership. One hundred seventy-nine marked cruisers have had their license plates changed and decals removed to eliminate “Troop E” designations. Troop E’s Truck Team, Motorcycles, and Troop Clerk will also all be reassigned.

Related: Mass. State Police Boosts Vehicle Visibility