There are a lot of police departments that have no pursuit policies for just that reason. It's ridiculous. The person is running from the police. What kills me about this is that the US has laws that state if there is a killing during a felony--no matter who is killed or who did the killing--anyone involved in committing the felony can be charged with felony murder. For example, you and I go in with guns to rob the corner store. The clerk shoots and kills you. I can be charged with felony murder.
But people who run from cops and run red lights and speed and end up seriously injuring or killing someone can somehow escape the blame in the eyes of the public because, "The police shouldn't have chased him because they know that's dangerous."
You know what? Those no pursuit policies are gonna come bite the public on the ass some day when someone runs and it turns out he's a really bad guy who goes on to kill people or rape people or what-have-you.
Of course, this is why we use the helicopter in pursuits. We start out with the cars chasing, but as soon as the helicopter gets there, all the cars back off and follow from a distance. But it still chaps my hide.
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Date: 2007-02-09 05:31 pm (UTC)But people who run from cops and run red lights and speed and end up seriously injuring or killing someone can somehow escape the blame in the eyes of the public because, "The police shouldn't have chased him because they know that's dangerous."
You know what? Those no pursuit policies are gonna come bite the public on the ass some day when someone runs and it turns out he's a really bad guy who goes on to kill people or rape people or what-have-you.
Of course, this is why we use the helicopter in pursuits. We start out with the cars chasing, but as soon as the helicopter gets there, all the cars back off and follow from a distance. But it still chaps my hide.