POLICE CAR CHASES, RISK/REWARD RATIOS AND DEAD INNOCENTS

Yet again a California police chase has resulted in dead non-combatants.

Every fleeing offender situation is slightly different and each has to be taken on its own merits. Still, if the fleeing person is no immediate danger to others, the chase is often more dangerous than awaiting another chance to take the jackrabbit into custody. The sun doesn't shine on the same dog's tail every day.

More than twenty years ago, Quincy Police Department modified its pursuit rules. Our Sheriff has intelligent pursuit policies and the Illinois State Police have vastly improved standards in this respect.

It seems to me, in light of the technology and changes in the case law, California and some of our Southern States should consider more limited pursuit permissions and give watch commanders more power to shut down a car chase when the reaons for it are not compelling and the public danger is considerable.