Indianapolis police examining pursuit policy
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is reviewing its employment of high-speed chases following the release of statistics from 2015.
Last year, officers were engaged in 452 high-speed pursuits, according to IMPD figures. Most of these chases involved more than one unit in pursuit, took place at up to 100mph, and resulted in some costly damage to vehicles.
Police Chief Troy Riggs said vehicular chases are a balancing act between police officers' obligation to pursue a fleeing person, and their need to safeguard the public. Riggs points out that Indianapolis has a population of nearly one million, and high-speed chases present a danger to citizens. He wants to review department policy in order to mitigate the risks of these pursuits, both to residents and to police personnel.
The police union defends vehicular pursuits, saying the police are not the ones who initiate the chase, but rather that they respond to a person's decision to run from them. Union officials say the United States Supreme court has ruled police have a duty to pursue anyone who runs from the law. Since there are many instances in which law enforcement personnel do not know why someone has decided to flee, they have to err on the side of enforcement and give chase.
Chief Riggs will appoint a panel to review department police and recommend any changes it feels necessary. He might also consider working with a postcard printing company on a card for residents briefly explaining his decision, and how it could make the community safer.
Last year, officers were engaged in 452 high-speed pursuits, according to IMPD figures. Most of these chases involved more than one unit in pursuit, took place at up to 100mph, and resulted in some costly damage to vehicles.
Police Chief Troy Riggs said vehicular chases are a balancing act between police officers' obligation to pursue a fleeing person, and their need to safeguard the public. Riggs points out that Indianapolis has a population of nearly one million, and high-speed chases present a danger to citizens. He wants to review department policy in order to mitigate the risks of these pursuits, both to residents and to police personnel.
The police union defends vehicular pursuits, saying the police are not the ones who initiate the chase, but rather that they respond to a person's decision to run from them. Union officials say the United States Supreme court has ruled police have a duty to pursue anyone who runs from the law. Since there are many instances in which law enforcement personnel do not know why someone has decided to flee, they have to err on the side of enforcement and give chase.
Chief Riggs will appoint a panel to review department police and recommend any changes it feels necessary. He might also consider working with a postcard printing company on a card for residents briefly explaining his decision, and how it could make the community safer.