Skip to main content

Is there ever a justification for law enforcement to start a HIGH SPEED CHASE aka Hot Pursuit? I have never seen one. Have you? Perhaps a situation like occurred in south Alabama if someone was shooting from a moving vehicle it would be warranted. Even in this extreme case dispatching air craft to observe locate, and track is a great idea. Should a chief of police or Commanders of a Trooper ever authorize a high speed chase? Should individual officers engage in a high speed chase to to catch shop lifters, bank robbers, drug dealers, or a traffic violators. What is a clear and logical case when high speed chase is a great idea and should be engaged in by any law enforcement?

What about a high speed chase on the water by Marine Police, TVA Police or Game Wardens? When should high speed chase or hot pursuit be used?

Have you ever known anyone that was caught, got away or killed in a high speed chase in the North AL, Southern TN, or West MS area?
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

The police want to send a message to criminals - if you break the law you won't get away with it. In fact, you simply won't get away - not if they can help it.

This often means dramatic high-speed police chases through our streets. And more and more these chases are ending in serious injury and even death. Is recovering that stolen vehicle worth the lives of innocent bystanders? Is catching the bad guy worth risking the lives of the police and suspects?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 400 people die nationwide as a result of police chases. Of these fatalities, some were suspects and some were officers. But 30% were pedestrians or civilians in other cars - people who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Advocates against dangerous police driving acknowledge that chases are sometimes necessary - but only in rare occasions. Police can nab criminals without participating in dangerous high-speed pursuits on our city streets. Technology and other police tactics can be utilized.

People who are hurt or lose their lives as a result of a high-speed police chase are not "accident victims". They are assault and murder victims and their numbers are growing.
quote:
Originally posted by DixieChik:
So what do you suggest then Shimara? Let them go? LEt them get away with it? Let them steal, kill and harm other people (person or business) and stand back and say "oh, well, we'll get you someday?" I'm open for suggestions...


Child has been abducted: yes
Known serial killer: yes
Someone runs a red light: NO (and it has happened)

I had a friend some years back, who had gotten off work (Browns Ferry), stopped at a store in Florence on her way home to her children,and was killed by a cop in a high speed chase that was found out to be over nothing of any consequence.
quote:
Originally posted by shimara12:
quote:
Originally posted by DixieChik:
So what do you suggest then Shimara? Let them go? LEt them get away with it? Let them steal, kill and harm other people (person or business) and stand back and say "oh, well, we'll get you someday?" I'm open for suggestions...


Child has been abducted: yes
Known serial killer: yes
Someone runs a red light: NO (and it has happened)

I had a friend some years back, who had gotten off work (Browns Ferry), stopped at a store in Florence on her way home to her children,and was killed by a cop in a high speed chase that was found out to be over nothing of any consequence.


I think I know who your talking about , did she have 3 boys?
quote:
Originally posted by shimara12:
The police want to send a message to criminals - if you break the law you won't get away with it. In fact, you simply won't get away - not if they can help it.

This often means dramatic high-speed police chases through our streets. And more and more these chases are ending in serious injury and even death. Is recovering that stolen vehicle worth the lives of innocent bystanders? Is catching the bad guy worth risking the lives of the police and suspects?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 400 people die nationwide as a result of police chases. Of these fatalities, some were suspects and some were officers. But 30% were pedestrians or civilians in other cars - people who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Advocates against dangerous police driving acknowledge that chases are sometimes necessary - but only in rare occasions. Police can nab criminals without participating in dangerous high-speed pursuits on our city streets. Technology and other police tactics can be utilized.

People who are hurt or lose their lives as a result of a high-speed police chase are not "accident victims". They are assault and murder victims and their numbers are growing.


If you're going to cut and paste, you should link to the original site and give credit as to where you copied it from...

Lawyers and Settlements
quote:
Originally posted by Sassy Kims:
It does. If you don't credit the author, it is plagiarism, a nasty thing whatever your motive.


Watch out, Sassy might initiate a low speed chase and beat you with a wet noodle for plagiarism when he catches you ;o)

Seriously, though, Sassy, Bill is bad about it and it does drive me NUTS when he does it.

But they have a great point. Yet you cannot blame the officers for initiating the chase. You have to blame the procedures that are in place and work to have them changed. The officers on the street are just doing their jobs and following the rules of engagement they have been given....

Kirk
quote:
Originally posted by shimara12:
quote:
Originally posted by DixieChik:
So what do you suggest then Shimara? Let them go? LEt them get away with it? Let them steal, kill and harm other people (person or business) and stand back and say "oh, well, we'll get you someday?" I'm open for suggestions...


Child has been abducted: yes
Known serial killer: yes
Someone runs a red light: NO (and it has happened)

I had a friend some years back, who had gotten off work (Browns Ferry), stopped at a store in Florence on her way home to her children,and was killed by a cop in a high speed chase that was found out to be over nothing of any consequence.


The last ten words of your post should give you a clue.
The officer many times doesn't know why someone is running, a sane person doesn't run for a traffic violation so it must be something more serious.
What if the slug runs a red light and the officer just ignores it, then it is later determined the slug was fleeing a multiple child rape murder? Bet you would be at the front of the line to crucify the officer.
Unfortunately they didn't teach mind reading at the either academy, or any subsequent training I attended so if some mope ran, I chased. Caught most, lost some, wrecked a few. Some were felons, some were drunks, some were just idiots guilty only of excessive ignorance (and minor traffic violations), and some just wanted to see if they could out run the police.
If people getting hurt/killed in police pursuits really bothers you how about getting on the right side of the issue. Lobby for fleeing in a vehicle to be a felony, 10 year minimum sentence, injuries involved gets 20 years, death involved you get fried well done within 7 days of conviction no appeals, no reviews, just the smell of your flesh burning!
quote:
Originally posted by K5:
quote:
Originally posted by shimara12:
quote:
Originally posted by DixieChik:
So what do you suggest then Shimara? Let them go? LEt them get away with it? Let them steal, kill and harm other people (person or business) and stand back and say "oh, well, we'll get you someday?" I'm open for suggestions...


Child has been abducted: yes
Known serial killer: yes
Someone runs a red light: NO (and it has happened)

I had a friend some years back, who had gotten off work (Browns Ferry), stopped at a store in Florence on her way home to her children,and was killed by a cop in a high speed chase that was found out to be over nothing of any consequence.


The last ten words of your post should give you a clue.
The officer many times doesn't know why someone is running, a sane person doesn't run for a traffic violation so it must be something more serious.
What if the slug runs a red light and the officer just ignores it, then it is later determined the slug was fleeing a multiple child rape murder? Bet you would be at the front of the line to crucify the officer.
Unfortunately they didn't teach mind reading at the either academy, or any subsequent training I attended so if some mope ran, I chased. Caught most, lost some, wrecked a few. Some were felons, some were drunks, some were just idiots guilty only of excessive ignorance (and minor traffic violations), and some just wanted to see if they could out run the police.
If people getting hurt/killed in police pursuits really bothers you how about getting on the right side of the issue. Lobby for fleeing in a vehicle to be a felony, 10 year minimum sentence, injuries involved gets 20 years, death involved you get fried well done within 7 days of conviction no appeals, no reviews, just the smell of your flesh burning!


OK, you just registered a 10 on my "scary psycho" meter.
quote:
Originally posted by K5:
death involved you get fried well done within 7 days of conviction no appeals, no reviews, just the smell of your flesh burning!



HEHEHE!

I take it you are for the death penalty ;o)

Sometime chase is a must, but it must be tempered and the valid reason for a chase should be a short list. Sure, people run for a reason. But, is DUI a valid reason to risk your life (officer) and mine (John Q Public)? Stupidity is not a reason either. If you are following a guy and he is weaving like a drunk, you turn on your lights and he runs, its pretty obvious he's drunk (although he may be running for multiple reasons), so why initiate a chase? Current procedures in alot of areas allows for the chase. Its things like this that people question...

Remember the old saying -- You can't outrun a Motorola....

Kirk
quote:
Originally posted by mekirk2:
quote:
Originally posted by K5:
death involved you get fried well done within 7 days of conviction no appeals, no reviews, just the smell of your flesh burning!



HEHEHE!

I take it you are for the death penalty ;o)

Sometime chase is a must, but it must be tempered and the valid reason for a chase should be a short list. Sure, people run for a reason. But, is DUI a valid reason to risk your life (officer) and mine (John Q Public)? Stupidity is not a reason either. If you are following a guy and he is weaving like a drunk, you turn on your lights and he runs, its pretty obvious he's drunk (although he may be running for multiple reasons), so why initiate a chase? Current procedures in alot of areas allows for the chase. Its things like this that people question...

Remember the old saying -- You can't outrun a Motorola....

Kirk


No eye contact
I agree there is almost never a reason for a chase. Like someone said above you cannot out run a radio or a helicopter. I believe that Lauderdale and Colbert County along with the Ouad-Cites Police Departments need to purchase rent or otherwise have chopper on call. A helicopter is not as expensive as repairing the new Florence Sports complex and it will save lives.

What if several Counties, City agencies all contributed to the purchase of, maintenance of and piloting of a helicopter. This would be a great investment. (Sorry city and county officials no air taxi services)

Even better combine Florence, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and Muscle Shoals into one city named the Shoals. Think of the savings by having only one police, fire, school system, utility, sanitation, administrative services, city court systems, all other departments etc. By eliminating these duplicated services we might find enough dollars to afford additional services like a law enforcement helicopter. No missile launchers or chain cannons on this chopper but plenty of cameras and high-powered spotlights. Colbert and Lauderdale counties would remain two counties you pay your tag fees and property taxes at the courthouse of the county of your residence.

Some of you have made comments like “shot their tires out” or “just let them go and get away with it”. Shooting in public is a horrible idea, “letting them go” but not let them go is a much better and safer option for everyone. Having two cars driving out of control on public streets is at least twice as dangerous. If it’s for a traffic violation got the tag number either go visit them or mail them the ticket. Our State legislation just approved traffic cameras statewide. These devices do this very automated process. “Your ticket is in the mail.”

To follow there incidents from that air and drive sanely to the offender’s location and then begin procedures is not as exciting adrenalin pumping for the officers or the pursued but it is so much safer for the rest of us that are taking our kids to ball, dance practice or just out on any regular family trip. Even such horrible cases as Child abduction need the aid of eyes in the sky.
Did you know that: TVA Police (jurisdiction on TVA reservations), UNA Police (Who are State Troopers), State Trooper's, Game Warden's (Who have actually more authority than State Troopers), Marine Police (who are State Troopers) deserve this eye in the sky service.

I recall a chase that started in Muscle Shoals, Alabama at Wal-Mart and continued into Mississippi. Law enforcement chased a couple of shoplifters that had pocketed several DVD's. This chase continued at high speed across the Mississippi state line finally ending with the death of an innocent family. All justified over the thief of some DVD’s. High Speed chases are never justified

Now if I was on a jury I would want Wal-Mart to pay, all Alabama and Mississippi law enforcement agencies involved named in a law suit and even possibly criminal charges filed.

The 1930's mentality of chase-um must be abandoned. We can have an eye in the sky.

After a few of these very high cost and publicly damaging to their reputations and the insurance pay outs from private companies. No agency could afford a high-speed chase.

I was almost run over by a UNA officer chasing a student down Pine Street. They both ran all traffic signals at Sherrod Avenue across Chisholm Road finally stopping at the car wash just across Pine Street from Southern Barbeque.

I was walking to Southern Barbeque to grab some lunch. In this case the Driver the has ran got out of the car and then the UNA cop Cuffed him and then shot his tazered a
At point blank in the head forcing him into convulsions causing him the fall to the ground and break out his teeth.
As just an observer from across the street, I thought the driver was under complete control after he out of the he
Vehicle and the officer had him cuffed.

I have no idea why the UNA cop tazered a restrained man. If you don’t know a tazer (much like a supped-up cattle prod) shoots hooks, wires and 50,000 volts into this guys head.

Was this UNA cop administering on the spot justice? If it was an accidental firing of the tazer by the UNA cop if he had his Service revolver in hand instead of his tazer there would have been brains scattered all over the parking.

I'm sure the FPD got this all on video because several cruisers had arrived on the scene just about the time as the UNA Officer ask the driver to step out of the car. The driver stepped out seemed to offer no resistance, the officer then cuffed him and then tazed this cuffed man from point blank range to the head.

I agree this driver that should have not run. I would like to know what the ultimate charges that were placed against the driver.

They had to transport by ambulance to the hospital due to the tazering incident. He was out cold and bleeding from the mouth, head when the EMT's loaded him on the gurney.

Wow! I can see that UNA officers get board but this was a chase and then a tazering of a cuffed driver. Wow! Must have been his executing made his day!

I still don't understand why a Game Warden in decided to stop a vehicle, (unusual for a car marked as a Fish and Wildlife Enforcement) and check a driver's license in the parking lot of a Gasoline Station. I would not stop for a Fish and Wild Life vehicle trying to pull me over, well at least before I spoke with 911 or *hp on ma cell phone.

When the (black) driver turned around to get his wallet from the back seat the Game Warden shot the drive to death. The passenger witnessed all of this.

I still would like to know why that Game Warden stepped so far out of his normal duties. I’m sure he is good at fish and wildlife enforcement but why did he not call a trooper to handle this traffic stop. No we're not prejudice in Alabama. This driver would have never been stopped if he was white and certainly not by a Game Warden anymore!

Here was the out come from the Game Warden’s Trail:
Quoted from HSV Times via al dot com “A Limestone County jury convicted John Raley, 54, of felony manslaughter in October 2003. He was found guilty of fatally shooting James Sharpley of Decatur. The shooting occurred on July 6, 2001, at a gas station on Alabama 20 west of Interstate 65.
Raley lost his job as a state game warden. Limestone County Circuit Judge Jimmy Woodroof suspended a 10-year sentence and placed Raley on probation for two years. He never served a day in jail.
A federal judge awarded Sharpley's widow $1.5 million in 2006, settling a lawsuit claiming wrongful death filed against Raley. The legal fund set up by the state to indemnify law enforcement officers in case of litigation refused to pay the federal settlement. Raley's lawsuit on the legal fund decision is pending before the Alabama Supreme Court. “
Last edited by shoals
quote:
Originally posted by shimara12:
quote:
Originally posted by Sassy Kims:
It does. If you don't credit the author, it is plagiarism, a nasty thing whatever your motive.


Thanks for educating me on plagiarism, and it was in support of an opinion. What motive?


You just said it yourself. Your motive was supporting an opinion.

Glad to give you an education. Come back for more anytime.
quote:
Originally posted by shoals:
I agree there is almost never a reason for a chase. Like someone said above you can't ot run a radio or a helicopter. I believe that Lauderdale and Colbert counties along with the Ouad Cites Police Department need to purchase rent or other wise have on call a chopper. Follow from that air and drive sanely to the offenders location and be gin standard capture or take in custody procedure then. Even such horrible cases as Child abduction need the aid of eye's in the sky. TVA, UNA, Police (Who are State Troopers),State Trooper's, Game Warden's (As powerful as State Troopers), Marine Police (who are State Troopers) and other local and State enforcement agencies can fund this expensive necessary service but very via. budgets. No telling how much is spent by these same agencies of Flying around looking for pot plants. I recall a Alabama chase that started in Muscle Shoals WalMart and continued into Mississippi law enforcement was chasing a couple of shop lifters that had pocketed several DVD's and then were chased at high speed across state line only for them to end up running through a Stop sign and killing a family of four. Now if I was on a jury I would want Wal-Mart to pay, the Chief or senior Office on duty fired and named in a suit as well and the Mississippi Senior Officer that allowed this Chase to continued in to Mississippi as well as the all Officers the pursued this chase.

1930's mentality of chase-me down when we can fly and follow. Just about all high speed chases should be out lawed and any Chief's, Commanders, or other management and their State or City entities they represent should be held criminally and civilly responsible for damage, injuries and life lost either by innocent by standers and their property on the officers families. After a few of these very high cost and publicly damaging to their reputations and the loss of any insurance from private companies. No one could afford a high speed chase. I was almost run over by a UNA officer chasing a student down pine street they both ran all traffic signals at Sherrod Avenue across Chisholm Road finally stopping at the car wash just across Pine Street from and Southern Barbeque. I was walking on the side walks down the Southern Barbeque side of the Street to grab some lunch. In this case the Driver the has ran git out of the car and then the UNA cop Cuffed hin=m and then shot his taser a
at point blank in to the drivers head forcing hum into convulsions causing him the fall to the ground and break out his teeth. To me as just an observer across the street, I thought the driver was under complete control after he came out of the drivers seat and the officer cuffed him.

I have no idea why the UNA cop then tazered
(shot hooks and wires) in the poor guy's very top of his head. May be it was to punish him as well? It looked like an accident by the UNA cop but had the UNA cop been his Service revolver instead of his taser. There would have been brains scattered all over that parking lot. If the cop really accidentally pull his hand gun trigger.

I'm sure the FPD got this all on video because several cruisers had arrived on the scene just about the time as the UNA Officer ask the driver to step out of the car. The driver stepped out seem to offer no resistance, the officer then cuffed him and then tazed I agree this driver that should have never run. I would like to know what the ultimate charges that were placed against the driver.

They had to carry him in a ambulance to the hospital due to the tasering incident. He was out cold and bleeding from the head when the EMT's loaded him on the gurney.

Wow! I can see that UNA officers get board but this was a chase and then a tazering of a cuffed driver. Wow! this made his day!

I still don't understand how that Gsme Warden in out of jail when he as far as I'm concerned decided to check a driver's license in the parking lot of a Gasoline Station in Deactur. When the (black) driver turned around to get his wallet the Game Warden unloaded his weapon into the driver? That Gane Warden was not doing his regular job and should have gone to jail fro the reat of this lfe instead of a slap on his risk! No we're not prejudice in the south anymore! Yea right!


What? Is it possible for you to translate this or perhaps try writing it in the english language? BTW, for your info it was two family members and another occupant that was no relation killed in the Mississippi pursuit not a family of four.
quote:
Originally posted by shimara12:
quote:
Originally posted by K5:
quote:
Originally posted by shimara12:
quote:
Originally posted by DixieChik:
So what do you suggest then Shimara? Let them go? LEt them get away with it? Let them steal, kill and harm other people (person or business) and stand back and say "oh, well, we'll get you someday?" I'm open for suggestions...


Child has been abducted: yes
Known serial killer: yes
Someone runs a red light: NO (and it has happened)

I had a friend some years back, who had gotten off work (Browns Ferry), stopped at a store in Florence on her way home to her children,and was killed by a cop in a high speed chase that was found out to be over nothing of any consequence.


The last ten words of your post should give you a clue.
The officer many times doesn't know why someone is running, a sane person doesn't run for a traffic violation so it must be something more serious.
What if the slug runs a red light and the officer just ignores it, then it is later determined the slug was fleeing a multiple child rape murder? Bet you would be at the front of the line to crucify the officer.
Unfortunately they didn't teach mind reading at the either academy, or any subsequent training I attended so if some mope ran, I chased. Caught most, lost some, wrecked a few. Some were felons, some were drunks, some were just idiots guilty only of excessive ignorance (and minor traffic violations), and some just wanted to see if they could out run the police.
If people getting hurt/killed in police pursuits really bothers you how about getting on the right side of the issue. Lobby for fleeing in a vehicle to be a felony, 10 year minimum sentence, injuries involved gets 20 years, death involved you get fried well done within 7 days of conviction no appeals, no reviews, just the smell of your flesh burning!


OK, you just registered a 10 on my "scary psycho" meter.


Thank you, that is one of the nicer assessments that have been made concerning me and my viewpoints and interactions with life, even by people I have worked with and who actually know me.
quote:
Originally posted by mekirk2:
quote:
Originally posted by K5:
death involved you get fried well done within 7 days of conviction no appeals, no reviews, just the smell of your flesh burning!



HEHEHE!

I take it you are for the death penalty ;o)

Sometime chase is a must, but it must be tempered and the valid reason for a chase should be a short list. Sure, people run for a reason. But, is DUI a valid reason to risk your life (officer) and mine (John Q Public)? Stupidity is not a reason either. If you are following a guy and he is weaving like a drunk, you turn on your lights and he runs, its pretty obvious he's drunk (although he may be running for multiple reasons), so why initiate a chase? Current procedures in alot of areas allows for the chase. Its things like this that people question...

Remember the old saying -- You can't outrun a Motorola....

Kirk


I am sort of for the death penalty.
I am mainly for punishment, death is just a by product of proper punishment.
quote:
Originally posted by shoals:
I agree there is almost never a reason for a chase. Like someone said above you can't ot run a radio or a helicopter. I believe that Lauderdale and Colbert counties along with the Ouad Cites Police Department need to purchase rent or other wise have on call a chopper. Follow from that air and drive sanely to the offenders location and be gin standard capture or take in custody procedure then. Even such horrible cases as Child abduction need the aid of eye's in the sky. TVA, UNA, Police (Who are State Troopers),State Trooper's, Game Warden's (As powerful as State Troopers), Marine Police (who are State Troopers) and other local and State enforcement agencies can fund this expensive necessary service but very via. budgets. No telling how much is spent by these same agencies of Flying around looking for pot plants. I recall a Alabama chase that started in Muscle Shoals WalMart and continued into Mississippi law enforcement was chasing a couple of shop lifters that had pocketed several DVD's and then were chased at high speed across state line only for them to end up running through a Stop sign and killing a family of four. Now if I was on a jury I would want Wal-Mart to pay, the Chief or senior Office on duty fired and named in a suit as well and the Mississippi Senior Officer that allowed this Chase to continued in to Mississippi as well as the all Officers the pursued this chase.

1930's mentality of chase-me down when we can fly and follow. Just about all high speed chases should be out lawed and any Chief's, Commanders, or other management and their State or City entities they represent should be held criminally and civilly responsible for damage, injuries and life lost either by innocent by standers and their property on the officers families. After a few of these very high cost and publicly damaging to their reputations and the loss of any insurance from private companies. No one could afford a high speed chase. I was almost run over by a UNA officer chasing a student down pine street they both ran all traffic signals at Sherrod Avenue across Chisholm Road finally stopping at the car wash just across Pine Street from and Southern Barbeque. I was walking on the side walks down the Southern Barbeque side of the Street to grab some lunch. In this case the Driver the has ran git out of the car and then the UNA cop Cuffed hin=m and then shot his taser a
at point blank in to the drivers head forcing hum into convulsions causing him the fall to the ground and break out his teeth. To me as just an observer across the street, I thought the driver was under complete control after he came out of the drivers seat and the officer cuffed him.

I have no idea why the UNA cop then tazered
(shot hooks and wires) in the poor guy's very top of his head. May be it was to punish him as well? It looked like an accident by the UNA cop but had the UNA cop been his Service revolver instead of his taser. There would have been brains scattered all over that parking lot. If the cop really accidentally pull his hand gun trigger.

I'm sure the FPD got this all on video because several cruisers had arrived on the scene just about the time as the UNA Officer ask the driver to step out of the car. The driver stepped out seem to offer no resistance, the officer then cuffed him and then tazed I agree this driver that should have never run. I would like to know what the ultimate charges that were placed against the driver.

They had to carry him in a ambulance to the hospital due to the tasering incident. He was out cold and bleeding from the head when the EMT's loaded him on the gurney.

Wow! I can see that UNA officers get board but this was a chase and then a tazering of a cuffed driver. Wow! this made his day!

I still don't understand how that Gsme Warden in out of jail when he as far as I'm concerned decided to check a driver's license in the parking lot of a Gasoline Station in Deactur. When the (black) driver turned around to get his wallet the Game Warden unloaded his weapon into the driver? That Gane Warden was not doing his regular job and should have gone to jail fro the reat of this lfe instead of a slap on his risk! No we're not prejudice in the south anymore! Yea right!


Too much misinformation and distortion to try to correct!
I suspect the real agenda here is not related to high speed chases, but to smear law enforcement.
Whatever law enforcement does they will always be wrong in your eyes, and the criminal will just be a misunderstood, mistreated person who really did nothing wrong.
Really just a waste of time to respond to you, but it is too wet outside to do anything else right now.
quote:
Originally posted by K5:

The officer many times doesn't know why someone is running, a sane person doesn't run for a traffic violation so it must be something more serious.
What if the slug runs a red light and the officer just ignores it, then it is later determined the slug was fleeing a multiple child rape murder? Bet you would be at the front of the line to crucify the officer.
Unfortunately they didn't teach mind reading at the either academy, or any subsequent training I attended so if some mope ran, I chased. Caught most, lost some, wrecked a few. Some were felons, some were drunks, some were just idiots guilty only of excessive ignorance (and minor traffic violations), and some just wanted to see if they could out run the police.
If people getting hurt/killed in police pursuits really bothers you how about getting on the right side of the issue. Lobby for fleeing in a vehicle to be a felony, 10 year minimum sentence, injuries involved gets 20 years, death involved you get fried well done within 7 days of conviction no appeals, no reviews, just the smell of your flesh burning!


Thanks for pointing out what I missed -- SANE PEOPLE DON'T RUN -- People that have committed NO CRIME DON'T RUN -- People that have something to hide are the ones that run and even though that particular case was horrible -- the officer couldn't have known that -- they are not mind readers...

Shamira -- I'll ask the question again -- what else would you have them do? Give us some suggestions as to how to deal with these situations any other positive way that will get the bad guy in a short amount of time -- and I'm all for hearing it and will help to see it inacted...until then...I trust our Police Officers to do their job...
quote:
Originally posted by DixieChik:
quote:
Originally posted by K5:

The officer many times doesn't know why someone is running, a sane person doesn't run for a traffic violation so it must be something more serious.
What if the slug runs a red light and the officer just ignores it, then it is later determined the slug was fleeing a multiple child rape murder? Bet you would be at the front of the line to crucify the officer.
Unfortunately they didn't teach mind reading at the either academy, or any subsequent training I attended so if some mope ran, I chased. Caught most, lost some, wrecked a few. Some were felons, some were drunks, some were just idiots guilty only of excessive ignorance (and minor traffic violations), and some just wanted to see if they could out run the police.
If people getting hurt/killed in police pursuits really bothers you how about getting on the right side of the issue. Lobby for fleeing in a vehicle to be a felony, 10 year minimum sentence, injuries involved gets 20 years, death involved you get fried well done within 7 days of conviction no appeals, no reviews, just the smell of your flesh burning!


Thanks for pointing out what I missed -- SANE PEOPLE DON'T RUN -- People that have committed NO CRIME DON'T RUN -- People that have something to hide are the ones that run and even though that particular case was horrible -- the officer couldn't have known that -- they are not mind readers...

Shamira -- I'll ask the question again -- what else would you have them do? Give us some suggestions as to how to deal with these situations any other positive way that will get the bad guy in a short amount of time -- and I'm all for hearing it and will help to see it inacted...until then...I trust our Police Officers to do their job...


no problem Dixie, even I have a lucid moment of thought now and then. Big Grin
Oh and as for the "use a helicopter" idea -- they used to use AirEvac in some situations to aid in finding the runners, finding lost people and overall top view of some situations, but that option was nixed after the helicopter crash that killed the crew searching for the hunter. It would take a lot more money than the PD or any entity around here has in their budget to allow for a helicopter, have enough money for the upkeep and the money to pay the pilot to be on stand-by 24/7 for the "just in cases"...I like the idea, but unfortunately not an option at this time...

as for K-5 -- I agree -- if you flee that should be an automatic mandatory minimum sentence -- regardless of why you ran -- you should be punished for running -- and then put that on top of whatever you are running for...
quote:
Originally posted by DixieChik:
Thanks for pointing out what I missed -- SANE PEOPLE DON'T RUN -- People that have committed NO CRIME DON'T RUN -- People that have something to hide are the ones that run and even though that particular case was horrible -- the officer couldn't have known that -- they are not mind readers...




Dixie,

Yes, people who have something to hide run. Question is, if the police are chasing them because they are drunk or have been shoplifting or may have some pot on them, is it worth the officers life and yours or mine to even initiate the chase? Yes, there may be a child rapist, murderer, etc etc, in the car, but we have all said that police cannot assume ANYTHING (the best or the worst of the situation), all they can go on is what they know at the time and, if they suspect someone of drunk driving and the suspect runs, is it worth your life or mine on the very very off chance that the driver may have committed some other crime?

Kirk
quote:
Originally posted by mekirk2:
quote:
Originally posted by DixieChik:
Thanks for pointing out what I missed -- SANE PEOPLE DON'T RUN -- People that have committed NO CRIME DON'T RUN -- People that have something to hide are the ones that run and even though that particular case was horrible -- the officer couldn't have known that -- they are not mind readers...





Dixie,

Yes, people who have something to hide run. Question is, if the police are chasing them because they are drunk or have been shoplifting or may have some pot on them, is it worth the officers life and yours or mine to even initiate the chase? Yes, there may be a child rapist, murderer, etc etc, in the car, but we have all said that police cannot assume ANYTHING (the best or the worst of the situation), all they can go on is what they know at the time and, if they suspect someone of drunk driving and the suspect runs, is it worth your life or mine on the very very off chance that the driver may have committed some other crime?

Kirk

It sounds like you are in favor of drunk driving.
quote:
Originally posted by mekirk2:
Yes, people who have something to hide run. Question is, if the police are chasing them because they are drunk or have been shoplifting or may have some pot on them, is it worth the officers life and yours or mine to even initiate the chase?


Officers do not "initiate a chase", period. An officer attempts to stop a subject for whatever the violation is! The subject being stopped "initiates" a "pursuit" by failing to "obey the law". Now, using your logic, officers should'nt pull anyone over for fear of a pursuit.

WRONG!

What needs to happen is more strict punishments and mandatory minimum sentences. No driving privileges ever. If someone is killed during a pursuit the subject being pursued should get Life without parole, or Death for causing the death of another person while commiting a felony crime. A second offense involving a pursuit carries a 25-Life penalty.

The Officers have an obligation to determine when to terminate a pursuit (depending on several factors). The Officer is responsible for any unsafe actions he takes while driving in the pursuit. He is not responsible for the actions of the Pursued.

The fix is not tying the hands of the Police, but making it more beneficial for a subject to pull over and face the misdemeanor crime as to facing a possible Felony.
quote:
Originally posted by The Cold Hard Truth:
aaahhh yes.. that's always the solution.. longer sentences.. bigger fines.. more effective ways to destroy somebody's life...

I have hard time with the way so many around here have allowed themselves to be programmed.


If there is any "life destroying" going on, the criminal is the one doing it. No one forces them to break the law. That is a choice they make for themselves.

If you can't do the time, don't do the crime.

I have a hard time with unrealistic leniency shown to common thugs and criminals, who endanger, rob, assault and kill law abiding citizens. For example, the thug and career criminal in Oakland, CA who killed four police officers while out of prison on parole.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Springfield, IL—After a horrible speed related ISP accident that left two innocent young women dead and Trooper Matt Mitchell seriously injured the ISP revised the chase policy.

Trooper Mitchell’s speed was determined to be 126 MPH when he lost control and collided with another car killing sisters, Jessica Uhl, 18 and Kelli Uhl, 13. The deadly accident occurred just outside of East St. Louis, IL. Mitchell is presently under indictment and awaiting trial for two counts of aggravated reckless driving.

Add Reply

Post

Untitled Document
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×