It’s been determined that in most cases, high speed police chases aren’t worth the risks they create, so many departments are revising their policies.
It’s been determined that in most cases, high speed police chases aren’t worth the risks they create, so many departments are revising their policies.
Typically, big time criminal suspects will still be pursued, but general fleeing arrest scenarios will be handled differently.
A California Highway Patrol study from the 80s showed that only 5 percent of those pursued had armed offense charges and a mere .3 percent had resulting convictions.
Mostly those who speed off to avoid the police are young drivers trying to hide minor offences.
Considering chases are dangerous and can result in bystander deaths, expensive lawsuits, and high damage costs, nearly all law enforcement agencies have established pursuit limitations.
Some are requiring that the chase be stopped once the suspect is identified. Another common condition is that the crime in question be a felony.
Some police are naturally good at policing themselves and prioritizing, though. In Portland one officer stopped his pursuit of a speeding car to help a confused duck cross the road.
