How do you feel about Police Chases?

Question

When and for what cause should they chase someone.

Answer 1

I think that there should only be a few instances where police should pursue a suspect at extremely high rates of speed. For example, if some guy steals a can of tuna from a 7-11, and then leads police on a 100 mph chase through the streets, I believe that the risk posed to innocent civilians must be taken into account first and foremost rather than the immediate apprehension of the suspect. With today's technology, the thief will almost inevitably be caught anyway.
Now if the guy had gunned down the clerk and two innocent bystanders on his way out of the store, well that's another story.

Answer 2

This is a really good question, and one we are currently looking into in Toronto.

A car accident happened this past month where a stolen car was being chased by Police. The stolen car lost control at a high rate of speed and hit a taxi killing two innocent 18 yr old girls in the back seat.

The police call was initially a gun call, when the police arrive on scene they witnessed a red Lexus speed out of the site.
As they were following him the accident occurred.

Now, some politicians are screaming that police shouldn't chase cars or they want to put in some heavy restrictions.

But I say, yes this was a horrible tragedy. But it wasn't the police officers fault, it was the fault of the 15 yr old boy that stole the car and rammed it into a taxi cab.

Let's remember that this was a gun call first off!

The police could have let him go and not bothered to chase him then he could have shot some people instead then the question would be - why DIDN'T the police chase the car. I believe that would be a legitimate question to ask.

So to answer your question, when there are lives at risk, chase him down!

A car is a weapon to so he's got to be stopped somehow - a good argument for helicopters.

Answer 3

Police need to be given the freedom to catch criminals. If we ban police chases you are essentially telling criminals "Run, we can't go after you. Go ahead, run away and make sure you drive really fast. We'll just sit here and do nothing." Bank robbers, drug dealers and drunks would all just have to hit the gas and the police would have to just let them go.

What we you need to do is give tougher sentences to those who run. "Yes your liscence will be suspended for 1 year for DUI, however you won't need it seeing you'll be in jail for the next 10 years for running."

Answer 4

does it matter what we feel they will do it anyway