Exclusive: You May Be Surprised by Officers' True Opinions on High-Speed Pursuits | Carscoops

      Police officers express honest opinions on car chases, discussing the balance between their necessity and the inherent dangers, as well as the importance of policies.

      Many believe that restricting chases may encourage individuals to flee from law enforcement.

      Narratives reveal both the thrill and the tragedy associated with high-speed pursuits.

      Car chases represent some of the most intense, hazardous, and contentious events in policing. They captivate audiences on television, yet behind the lights, sirens, and speed, officers are making critical decisions that can alter lives forever.

      Over the years, we have reported numerous incidents where police chases have resulted in property damage, injuries, or worse. However, we wanted to understand the true feelings of officers involved in these pursuits.

      With that in mind, we reached out to various law enforcement officials about pursuit policies, associated risks, and the reasons suspects choose to flee. The insights we received from these professionals offer a perspective that is often overlooked.

      Balancing Risks While Driving

      Nearly everyone we spoke with acknowledged the dangers inherent in pursuits. Yet, they frequently emphasized the importance of chases in upholding the law. One experienced officer summarized, “Speeding through a neighborhood at 90 mph for a warrant on parking tickets isn’t worth it. Going 110 on the freeway for an aggravated assault likely is. There’s rarely a straightforward answer.”

      For many, the central concern wasn’t whether to engage in a chase but how to bring it to a conclusion safely. Officers mentioned tactics like stop sticks, PIT maneuvers, the Grappler, and GPS trackers as means to reduce the length of pursuits and avoid lengthy high-speed chases reminiscent of those from the 1990s, which still pose problems in certain areas.

      Another officer stated, “If an agency entrusts its officers with a badge and gun, granting them the authority to determine someone’s freedom and even life, they should also have confidence in their ability to make informed and responsible risk assessments regarding chases.”

      The Fairness Issue

      Discussions surrounding pursuit policies also involve philosophical considerations. Officers repeatedly pointed out that restricting chases creates a dual justice system. “When you stop pursuing those who flee, you only enforce the law on those who are compliant. The individuals who realize they can run without consequences are precisely the ones we should be apprehending.”

      Others noted that minor infractions can lead to the discovery of more serious crimes. One officer recounted pulling over a driver for an improperly attached license plate, which escalated into a pursuit revealing a stolen firearm, drugs, and a child in the vehicle. Another described a driver who rolled their car multiple times, only to find that their sole infraction was never having a driver’s license.

      Varied Policies Across States

      With around 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States, pursuit regulations differ substantially. Some agencies grant officers discretion, while others prohibit chases except in cases of violent felonies. In rural areas, departments may initiate chases for nearly any suspect who flees. One rural officer remarked that suspects are “more likely to collide with a cow than another vehicle.” Another mentioned the complications of pursuing near state borders where jurisdiction changes can end a chase abruptly.

      Some officers expressed concerns about future policy directions. “I believe we will eventually see prohibitions on vehicle pursuits, or at least severe restrictions. The only feasible solution is a balanced policy—permitting pursuits but with strong supervision for case-by-case decisions.”

      Exciting, Frightening, and Occasionally Tragic

      Amid the policy discussions, the emotional toll of pursuits was also evident. A veteran of twenty years admitted, “In the early part of my career, I enjoyed them, but later, I dreaded them. They can be some of the most exhilarating and enjoyable aspects of the job, yet they are also among the most perilous and anxiety-inducing.”

      Another officer reflected, “I was involved in a chase that resulted in life-altering injuries to an innocent woman and her children, as well as the death of the person fleeing. The chase began due to a traffic violation. Therefore, I understand the need for restrictive policies.”

      The Conclusion

      Converse with ten officers, and you will hear ten differing viewpoints. However, certain themes emerge from all their perspectives. Suspects often flee for reasons beyond a minor traffic violation. The dangers involved are significant and cannot be overlooked. While some agencies advocate for stricter regulations, many officers contend that if criminals believe they can evade a chase without repercussions, more will attempt to run, resulting in more victims.

      High-speed chases may appear to be thrilling escapades from an outside perspective, but for the officers involved, these moments are critical judgments of justice weighed against risk in ways that most civilians may never fully comprehend. Indeed, while many agencies are encouraging police to engage in fewer high-speed pursuits, the reality inside the patrol car is far more complex.