Go ahead and run punk, I can’t chase you!
LA Times – January 21, 2007 via Overlawyered.com:
Police agencies across the country have enacted new policies to deal with when and how officers should pursue suspects who run. The Sheriff’s Department policy, enacted in 2004, is one of the most restrictive in the nation. The policy states that deputies cannot confront suspects alone and should not split from their partners during foot pursuits.
The issue is particularly important because most deputies work in one-person patrol cars.
Many deputies say they believe the policy is too restrictive and prevents them from doing their jobs: arresting criminals. They say some suspects know that deputies won’t chase them if they run and are brazenly taking advantage of the policy.
They are advised not to chase suspects who are believed to be carrying firearms, Vernon said.
Merrick Bobb, an attorney who monitors the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department under a contract with the Board of Supervisors, has long criticized foot chases and the dangers they create for both deputies and suspects.
“Shame on you if you let suspects get away. But also shame on you if you blindly chase after someone and put yourself in danger,” Bobb said.
Every criminal will now try to get away, this is rediculous! I can see the lawsuits already. He chased me, and thats against the rules! Unbeleivable!!!!
I’m beginning to think the Police are becoming more like security guards… So long as the building is secure, damn the rest. And fill out the requisite form.
Wait… they already ARE like security guards, albeit with much more edumacation…
Reminds me of a Robin Williams skit… “Stop! Or I’ll say stop again!”
“It’s not by running after the guy just because you think he disrespected you.”
Ugh. First basketball players and now cops getting “disrespected”.
It makes sense that in some situations in might not be the safest, best option to keep chasing a criminal. The police and other innocent people could get hurt. But to announce the policy to everyone will turn cops who try to stop criminals into a joke.
I have to agree with Joe, #5. The option of whether to pursue should be the officer’s alone is on the scene and can make a better judgment then a manual or some supervisor 3 miles away.
While the high tech is great, it can’t be everywhere and often takes longer to get there then the situation requires.
On the other hand, I have often decried the extreme use of police force. It seems the policy attempts to hold back the “cowboy” mentality that comes with adrenaline rushes and endangers both the police and the suspect. Is the life of a 17 yr old really that important if he ran while holding a bag of crack?
Cant they just shoot first and ask questions later? Its always worked, as memory serves.
#6 – no its not, he was holding a bag of crack (and wasnt sharing) – Quick, boys!! Shoot his punk ass!! Quick before he gets away!! Gaddamn!!
If the criminals are 50 feet away from the cops, they should have just enough time to moon the cops before they have to start running.
what constitues **running**? If they skip away can the cop chase them then? Or, if they hop away, does that mean *running*?
Oh…so much samantics, so little enforcement.
This might be a good job for the Muslim cop from London. Especially since running in a hajib can be a bitch.