Florida Altered a Regulation, Resulting in a Threefold Increase in Chase-Related Deaths Within a Year | Carscoops

      Despite federal guidelines aiming to lessen police chases, Florida law enforcement is firmly maintaining the practice, resulting in preventable fatalities.

      According to recent statistics, the number of deaths from Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) chases has surged from 5 in 2023 to 15 in 2024 following a change in their pursuit policies. Experts argue that this approach contradicts safety protocols and puts everyone at risk. Critics are advocating for safer alternatives, such as aerial surveillance and postponing arrests.

      “These situations are perilous. People get injured. People die,” stated Sergeant Spencer Ross of the FHP, whose nonchalant perspective on police pursuits has attracted criticism from local residents and others beyond Florida. This backlash coincides with new evidence revealing a rise in fatalities since the FHP eased its restrictions on vehicle chases.

      Have Things Escalated Too Much?

      Previously, FHP restricted chases to instances involving felons or imminent threats to public safety. The intent was to prevent police from exacerbating hazards on the road by pursuing suspects. However, those limits have been removed, allowing officers to chase anyone who attempts to evade a traffic stop, regardless of the situation.

      The outcomes have been dire. Reports indicate that this policy has led to tragic losses, which even the most ardent supporters of law enforcement find difficult to justify. The lives lost include both police officers and innocent civilians. Although statistics may be somewhat misleading, they still highlight a significant concern. After the changes to chase regulations, fatalities rose from five in 2023 to 15 in 2024, while the usage of PIT maneuvers increased from 100 to 286.

      A Fatal Incident

      In one particular incident, an FHP trooper, while pursuing a suspect in oncoming traffic, collided head-on with a truck driver, resulting in both fatalities. The family of the deceased truck driver is now suing the state, asserting that the officer acted recklessly in the chase.

      “The data clearly shows that their actions are unsafe,” remarked Roy Taylor, a national police procedure expert and former police chief in Jackson County, North Carolina. “If you're ignoring the recommendations of nationally recognized policing organizations, that's a significant issue.”

      A Call for Better Judgment

      Taylor refers to numerous guidelines across the United States that state high-speed chases should only be initiated in the rarest cases. The Department of Justice has also provided similar recommendations, advising law enforcement not to use PIT maneuvers at speeds exceeding 40 mph due to the potential danger posed to everyone on the road. Law enforcement entities emphasize the need for alternative strategies, such as aerial patrols, delayed arrests, and using technologies like Starchase.

      Ultimately, there isn’t a flawless solution to this dilemma. Police face challenging situations, and pursuing certain criminals is vital for public safety. However, individuals who are aware that officers are less likely to chase can become more emboldened to commit crimes.

      A Matter of Finding Equilibrium

      However, the loss of innocent lives cannot be justified. It’s particularly troubling that police agencies nationwide, including at the federal level, are trying to reduce chases. Perhaps it’s time for Florida to take cues from its counterparts on the opposite coast and consider aerial pursuits instead of ground-level confrontations.