What ever happened to the police using restraint regarding high speed car chases?
The number of innocent people being killed by car chases seems to be skyrocketing again. Almost on a weekly basis I read about an innocent by-stander or driver getting killed or seriously injured during high speed chases. Many of the chases involve minor crimes or infractions. Years ago there was a big uproar involving this type of behavior, and most police departments tightened their rules regarding when to initiate pursuit of vehicles.
Sure seems like it is time to clamp down on this behavior again. About 35%-40% of all police chases end in crashes. A couple of simple policy changes (or enforcement of existing policy) regulating when to pursue a suspect would certainly help reduce the number of innocent deaths.
They are:
* The risk to public safety from not stopping an offender should be the principal factor justifying a decision to pursue.
* The decision to pursue should be based on known facts, rather than general suspicion or speculation.
Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators
Important Notices: By participating on this discussion
board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules
page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the
opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent
the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.