High-Speed Police Chases
It is the duty of the nation's police forces to protect and to serve the American public. Police officers save thousands of lives every year through extreme acts of heroism, bravery and courage. The majority of private citizens are grateful for their city's police force. Unfortunately, the families of the hundreds of innocent civilians killed every year during high-speed police chases have a different view toward law enforcement and are fighting an uphill battle to change the dangerous tactics that many officers use when attempting to make an arrest.
Make no mistake, it is the fault of the fleeing criminal for every innocent bystander's death during a police chase. The controversy lies in when the dangers of arresting a criminal in a high speed police pursuit outweigh the safety of innocent civilians. From 1999 to 2001, for example, Los Angeles police were involved in over 800 pursuit-related collisions with an average of more than five crashes a week. Interest groups are calling for police precincts to limit high-speed chases to only violent felons. A number of police departments, including Los Angeles and Miami, have instituted policies that prohibit police officers from initiating police chases with persons suspected of only minor offenses. Critics, however, say a limited police chase policy restricts officers from doing their job, especially when most police chases involve criminals who have stolen a car, are fleeing a crime scene or are driving under the influence.
Dozens of civil lawsuits alleging improper police chase tactics have been filed against numerous departments and cities across the country. State advocacy groups are calling for enhanced training programs for officers as well as standardized chase policies for departments nationwide.
If you or a family member suffered injuries during a high-speed police chase, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.
Attorneys associated with InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case free of charge. In addition, you will not pay any fees or costs unless your attorney recovers money for you. Please click on the free Ask An Attorney button to take advantage of this valuable service.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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