While some states are easing restrictions on police pursuits, others are tightening their grip on the ongoing debate over police reforms Law Enforcement Today

Police reform has long been a topic of discussion. In recent years, we have seen increasing efforts to refine police tactics, such as banning or limiting the use of excessive force and requiring body cameras. Nationwide, many law enforcement and government agencies have even placed restrictions on police pursuits in the name of protecting officers and citizens.

“Police experts suggest that changes in legislation across the country have been influenced by various factors, such as political pressure or high-profile incidents. They expressed doubt that allowing more high-speed pursuits would significantly reduce crime.” State border reported.

This is in response to jurisdictions such as Washington State, Florida, the District of Columbia and San Francisco repealing a number of police pursuit restrictions in the past 12 months. Hawaii, on the other hand, is trying to tighten its standards for pursuits, making them more restrictive statewide, and the state of Michigan has restricted pursuits all together.

Former law enforcement officers, along with experts in policing, agree that there must be a balance between public protection from traffic accidents and the custody of “potentially violent suspects.”

Jacinta Gau, a criminal justice professor at the University of Central Florida and an expert on police-community relations, said, “Most people voluntarily obey the police anyway, and most people are probably unaware of the police’s prosecution policies.” their local authorities. I don’t think this will have a significant impact on any crime.”

“It’s a very delicate balance. One of the things that chiefs or policymakers need to consider when it comes to pursuits is what happens if the person isn’t caught right away… And then there’s the victim’s perspective,” said former Atlanta Police Chief , Rodney Bryant.

Beginning in mid-March 2024, Michigan State Police will limit pursuits to “situations where troopers have probable cause to believe that the driver or occupant of a fleeing vehicle has committed a violent or life-threatening crime.”

Florida, on the other hand, has relaxed their pursuit policy. Policies that previously limited pursuits to drunk, misdemeanor or reckless driving now allow officers more discretion in initiating pursuits. Additionally, troopers are now allowed to drive in the wrong direction and on the wrong side of the road if necessary. They also no longer have to adhere to posted speed limits and are allowed to participate in motorcycle chases.

“While many states shy away from holding dangerous criminals accountable for their decisions, the Florida Highway Patrol seeks to use all available tools and tactics to ensure dangerous criminals end up in jail and off our streets,” the Florida Highway Patrol said. in a statement.

A report from the Criminal Justice Council earlier this year found that most crime categories “appear to be returning to pre-pandemic levels.”

Nevertheless, some jurisdictions continue to see increases in specific types of crime. For example, in Washington State, violent crime increased from 335.7 incidents per 100,000 people in 2022 to 375.6 incidents per 100,000 people. This is just below the national rate of 380.7 incidents per 100,000 people, the FBI reports.

With truly limited data on crashes and fatalities associated with police pursuits, it can be difficult to determine where the true middle ground lies on this issue.