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What's in the news? Pursuits take place everyday in our community. Listed below are some of the noteworthy articles written by various news outlets throughout America.

"New system stops cars in their tracks:" ABC 7 Los Angeles, 4/24/08. "'We are the first to do anything like this. We are a pioneering the way,' said Brad Williams an OnStar representative. GM cars and trucks models from 2009 that are equipped with OnStar have what is called, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. Once an owner reports that their car has been stolen OnStar works with police. "

"Police Use of Force: Lack of stats:" Florida Times-Union, 4/27/08. "The world of government statistics includes just about every fact imaginable, from numbers of manatees in a state to the number of doctors disciplined. But finding comparable data from law enforcement agencies about civilians shot by police? It doesn't exist unless a citizen collects it from individual agencies and compiles it. The lack of central data makes it hard to find trends. It also minimizes public scrutiny of shootings by police."

"Franklin County police chiefs: Hot pursuits can be deadly:" Chambersburg Public Opinion, 4/4/08. "Hot police pursuits might make for good television. In reality, however, they offer more than entertainment. 'It's serious business,' said Chief John Phillippy of the Greencastle Police Department. 'The days of the cowboy and Indians stuff are long past.'"

"Cleveland police chase ends in East Side crash; 4 injured:" Cleveland Metro News, 1/18/08. "Police chasing a stolen black Nissan Altima this morning called off the pursuit when a crash occurred at East 143rd Street and Harvard Avenue. A police car collided with a red Ford, ripping apart the Ford's front end and sending the cruiser into a field."

"Police pursuit in Crafton Heights ends in a car crash:" Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 1/20/08."A police pursuit in Crafton Heights ended late Saturday afternoon when a stolen car driven by a teenager crashed into a parked station wagon, authorities said."

"Police Chases on the Rise in La Joya:" 5 KRGV, 12/07/07. La Joya police were involved in three high-speed chases in less than 24 hours. They've had a total of nine pursuits just this week. One of them started after an officer spotted a truck with a large group of people in it. Police found six illegals in the bed of the truck and one in the front.

"Police-bus crash in Enid under investigation:" 10 KTEN, 12/8/07 "Enid police say an accident that occurred during a chase involving a police officer and a school bus remains under investigation. The crash happened Thursday, when an Oklahoma Bible Academy bus carrying about 60 students collided with a police cruiser. The officer in the cruiser, Duane Andrews, was pursuing a wanted felon."

"Independence will compile summary of police pursuits:" The Kansas City Star, A summary of Independence police pursuits over the past five years will be compiled by City Manager Robert Heacock. Renee Paluka-White, the city’s 3rd District council member, requested the review in the wake of recent high-speed pursuits ending in the deaths of two drivers trying to flee police and a 17-year-old boy who was struck and killed by a third fleeing driver.

"Cleveland police amend car-chase policy:" The Plain Dealer, 11/22/07. Cleveland Police Chief Michael McGrath has tightened the department's policy on car chases. At least eight people have been injured or died following police chases in the city so far this year. One of the people injured was an infant. Virginia DiGiorgio, 57, died while crossing a downtown street on the way to see a production of "The Lion King."

"Bystander critical after police chase:" The Desert Sun, 11/24/07. "He said he would wash his mother's Ford Mustang in the driveway on the way out. He had just rinsed the corner panel when a Honda, traveling more than 80 mph, jumped the curb in the 1400 block of East Via Escuela. The high-speed chase with Palm Springs police ended when the car pinned Preston against a washing machine in the garage, his family said Friday."

"Oroville police make arrests after two highspeed pursuits:" Oroville Mercury-Register, 11/14/07. "Oroville Police officers made arrests in two separate incidents after high-speed pursuits in Oroville on Friday night and Sunday afternoon."

"Coping with hard loss:" The Examiner, 11/10/07. "ndependence School District officials identified the 17-year-old boy killed during a police pursuit Thursday night as Christopher Cooper, a junior at Truman High School."

"State Police Revicse pursuit policy:" Boston Herald, 11/11/07. "The updated policy mandates that pursuits involving a misdemeanor of nonviolent felony be terminated when the suspect enters a densely populated neighborhood of congested roadway, and requires troopers to check in frequently with supervisors during the chase."

"Rights and wrongs of police chases:" BBC's Inside Out, 11/14/07. "Orlando changed its policies after a number of law suits, including one from John Philips, who lost his sister when a car being pursued by the police crashed into her as she waited at a stop sign.

He now campaigns to persuade other US police departments that it's dangerous and unnecessary to have unrestricted police chases.

'We have the ability to run license plate numbers in seconds, helicopters in the air, communications where we can have a whole large community of police communicating instantly,' he said.

'Just because the fleeing vehicle gets out of the sight of the police officer right behind him, we are still going to get him.'"

"A dangerous game of cat and mouse:" The Examiner, 11/16/07. "Mills said the department's policy is consistent with police pursuit policies around the nation. Violent crimes such as murder, robbery, rape or car-jacking, known violent criminals and those suspected of driving while intoxicated who flee police are all reasonable factors for Independence police to initiate a pursuit."

"Officers backed after fatal chase:" Philadelphia Inquirer, 10/24/07. "South Jersey police officers involved in the 100 m.p.h. pursuit that led to the fatal crash of a stolen SUV yesterday appear to have acted 'appropriately,' a spokesman for the Camden County prosecutor said."

"Chicoan forms national pursuit group:" Chico Enterprise Record, 10/08/07. "Candy Priano of Chico hopes to be able to announce on "Good Morning America" Tuesday that she's formed a national organization to change the way police conduct car chases."

"Punishment postponed for man involved in deadly high speed chase:" 17 KGET, 9/14/07.
"Punishment was delayed Wednesday for a man who led police on a high speed chase that ended with the death of a local teenager and severely injured a toddler."


"Judge shoots down pursuit policy in case of cop charged in fatal crash:" Salt Lake Tribune, 9/19/07. "Prosecutors on Tuesday suffered a blow to their negligent homicide case against a Taylorsville police officer charged with killing another driver when he ran a red light while attempting to join a pursuit."

"Ohioans held after 140-mph pursuit:" The Journal Gazette, 9/11/07. "Two Tiffin, Ohio, men were arrested Monday after one of them fled police at speeds of up to 140 mph on a stolen motorcycle in foggy weather."

"Victim's Mother Urges Minimizig Police Pursuits:" KABC-TV Los Angeles, 8/15/07. "A cry for help from a mother who lost her son in a pursuit crash. She wants new rules for officers caught up in high-speed chases."

"Pursuit limits anger officers:" The Courier-Mail, 8/11/07. "Rank and file police claim a new pursuit policy banning them from using their gut instincts will give criminals the upper hand."

"Auburn police investigate fatal high-speed car chase:" The Seattle Times, 7/25/07. "Auburn police say officers who chased three suspected car thieves before a fatal crash early Tuesday pursued the suspects because one passenger was seen running from a stolen car."

"Parolee leads police in pursuits:" Chico Enterprise Record, 7/20/07. "Chico police are seeking a parolee at large who is allegedly responsible for two high-speed pursuits in the past two days."

"Undercover cops may have broken rules on pursuit:" Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 7/5/07. "Undercover detectives may have violated Police Department rules when they drove through Seattle streets after a driver who they say pointed a gun at their unmarked SUV."

"Fifty Police Cars in Crashes Every Day:" Daily Express, UK. 6/26/06. Police cars are involved in more than 50 crashes a day on roads in England and Wales, official figures revealed yesterday.

"Webb witness doesn't budge:" Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. 6/21/07. "A key defense witness stuck to his opinion Wednesday that a sheriff's deputy was justified in shooting an unarmed man at the end of a car chase, even after having that conclusion questioned during more than four hours of cross-examination."

"Petersburg policeman cleared on key counts:" Richmond Times-Dispatch, 5/11/07. "Christian, responding to a disturbance call, slammed into the couple's car on East Washington Street as they tried crossing the highway to Henrico Street, where they lived. The officer was driving without his lights and siren at a minimum of 65 mph -- at least 30 mph over the speed limit -- when the crash occurred about 11:35 p.m., according to testimony." Click here to read John Phillips (PursuitWatch President) comments in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

"Driver caught after a chase:" Tri-City News, 5/13/07. “'Thanks to enforcement tools like Air One, arrests of reckless drivers and those travelling with excessive speed can happen without traditional police pursuits, increasing public safety and reducing the likelihood of further property damage and injury,' Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Isabelle Hammer said in a release Friday."

"Suffolk mulls flying GPS to end car chases:" Newsday, 5/5/07. "Suffolk police are considering modifying their patrol cars to let officers shoot a sticky homing device -- equipped with global positioning system technology -- that latches onto a suspect's fleeing vehicle."

"Wrecks often the fault of police:" Cincinnati Post, 11/27/06. The dangers of police work: "Police 'drive a large amount of miles in a given year, so over a career, their percentage is going to be a greater percentage than the motoring public,' said Lt. Tony Bradshaw, a patrol spokesman."

"2 drivers charged after chases:" Lancaster Online, 11/25/06. "Separate overnight vehicle pursuits in Lancaster and in southern Lancaster County led to the arrest of two motorists on multiple charges, police said."

"Police add 'stop sticks' to arsenal of pursuit tactics:" Tulsa World, 11/6/06. Tulsa police have added 434 stop sticks, allowing them to be available to all patrol vehicles. Although these tire deflation devices can be useful, it does not prevent unnecessary pursuits from becoming deadly.

"Police chase leaves man in hospital:" Montreal Gazette, 11/3/06. A 10 mile pursuit ensues after a car runs a red light.   

"Second man dies of injuries from crash in Yakima police chase:" The Daily News Online, 10/31/06. "A second man has died of injuries from a crash during a police chase involving a stolen car, and Yakima County prosecutors say another murder charge will likely be filed. Edgar Mendoza Trevino, 19, of Yakima, driver of an Acura that was broadsided by the fleeing car at an intersection on Oct. 22, never regained consciousness and died early Monday at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle."

"Suspect chase done by the books:" Union Democrat, 10/31/06. According to the California Highway Patrol and Toulumme County Sheriff's Department, a pursuit that caused a crash between two patrol cars and nearly killed a deputy was done by the books.

"State high court sides with police in ruling:" News10, 10/16/06. The Supreme Court of Georgia ruled that officers have immunity "unless they act with actual malice or intent to injure."

"Officer acted appropriately:" The Monitor, 10/14/06. According to Pharr Police Chief Ruben Villescas, proper judgement was used when an officer pursued a suspect for running a stop sign, ending in the death of one man and the injury of six others.

"A week later, some police chase reports still not filed:" SavannahNow.com, 10/15/06. "More then a week after a high-speed police chase that left at least seven people injured, the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department still is not providing all its reports detailing what happend... Some residents critized police in the wake of the chase becuase it put citizens at risk, including children who had stepped off a school bus."

"Police pursuit plan on tap for treasure valley:" KTVB Boise, 10/7/06. Different agencies surrounding Boise will now have a uniform policy in order to dissolve confusion.

"Lovett defends chase response:" SavannahNow.com, 10/6/06. An officer remains in the hospital following the pursuit of a man wanted for carjacking and attacking an officer.

"Chaffee pursuit policy similar to other agencies:" seMissourian.com, 10/5/06. Is a policy that allows for a pursuit if the suspect is believed to present danger to human life or of causing serious injury too vague?

"Phoenix police chases reduced sharply with new pursuit policy:" Arizona Daily Star, 9/21/06. "Police pursuits of fleeing drivers have been cut by 56 percent this year since a new policy took effect in March that forbids the majority of pursuits on city roadways."

"Police Chase Enters, Ends in Grayson County:" KTEN, 8/18/06. "Captain John Duscio of McKinney Police commented on the recent rash of police pursuits. Cpt. Duscio says, 'It's just not wise to run, plus you endanger the public, you endanger officers, you endanger everybody. It's just not worth it. You're going to get caught.'"

"Police stopped chase, then cyclist was killed:" Wisconsin State Journal, 8/15/06. Madison police are reviewing the details of a pursuit that shortly after it was called off killed the driver of the motorcycle they were chasing as well as seriously injured a female driver of a minivan. According to police, the crash occurred about a mile after the chase was called off.

"Departments proceed with caution for pursuits:" News-Herald, 7/16/06. "A short, slow-speed police pursuit of accused drunken driver James D. Cline occurred before a crash authorities say he caused, killing 18-year-olds Grace Chamberlain of Kirtland and Andrew Hopkins of Warren. Mark J. Stevens, 19, of Willoughby was killed in June after police say he accelerated out of a slow-speed pursuit in Willoughby and struck a tree on Tioga Trail. And just last week, authorities in Geauga and Ashtabula counties successfully pursued and apprehended a woman who they say stole an ambulance." UNACCEPTABLE.... it seems that these departments lack the aforementioned caution.

"Council holds hearing on police pursuit policy;" Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 7/13/06. Pittsburgh is finally waking up and examining their policy which does not have restrictions on the type of crimes which would warrant a pursuit.

"Bad roads deter police pursuits:" IndyStar, 7/13/06. Due to the poor conditions of roads, some departments have made environmental decisions that outlaw most pursuits.

"Ark City police involved in two chases:" Arkcity.net, 7/10/06. Arkansas City police determined in was safer for the community to have a drunk driver race through the city streets at excessive speeds while being followed by police cruisers rather then travel at the speed limit, with much less danger involved, by himself.

"High Speed Chase Ends in Fatality:" FWB Community News, 7/03/06. "A minor traffic infraction escalated into a high-speed chase through Fort Walton Beach that eventually led to the death of another motorist late Friday evening." 20-year old Allison Joy Angerman is another countless victim of ignorance.

"Teen Carjackers Caught after Stealing SUV:" WLBT3, 7/03/06. Two teens are caught after leading Jackson police on a high speed chase following an armed carjacking.

"Chase? Local man wants answers about brother's death:" Winston-Salem Journal, 7/02/06. "And like anybody in Jeff People's place would, he wants the full scoop about what happened to his brother on the last night of his life. 'If they're looking for a weak-minded person that will let everything be swept under the rug, they're looking at the wrong person,' Jeff Peoples said last week."

"Two overnight police chases end without injury:" WHAS11, 6/29/06. Louisville police took part in two vehicular pursuits in one night, one for a robbery and the other for failing to stop for a traffic violation.

"As traffic thickens, squad car's cool heads call off a hot pursuit:" Sacramento Bee, 6/28/06. "'I was calling the pursuit over the radio, giving the location, speed, make of vehicle,' Steve said. 'But the guy was fast and determined to keep going. When we got to Hurley and hit traffic, Brent (the officer driving) turned off the lights, which was the right thing to do. You really want to get the guy, but you have to remember, it's only a traffic infraction.' The Monte Carlo got away. 'We got a good look at him,' Steve said. 'We'll get him another day.'"

"Child hospitalized after police chase and crash:" KARE11, 6/27/06. "When police reached the vehicle they found an unconscious driver and, pinned inside the vehicle, a young boy who was crying in pain."

"Youth flees police:" Drayton Valley Western Review, 6/27/06. A fearful minor tries to run from police in Drayton Valley, luckily causing no injury.

"Motorist is killed in crash with suspects in beer theft:" Arizona Republic, 6/26/06. An innocent bystander is killed when two suspects in a beer theft refuse to stop. An investigation is pending regarding the actions of the officer involved. The suspects refused to stop for about 30 seconds before the crash at speeds at or below the 45 M.P.H. speed limit.

"2nd recent crash puts spotlight on police chases:" Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 6/22/06. The Pittsburgh Citizen Police Review Board has scheduled a meeting to discuss the increase of pursuits in their city.

"Boise Police: Complaints Reduced By Half:" KBCI 2, 6/19/06. Boise pursuits are down by 45% this year from 33 in '04 to 16 in '05.

"Newberry police release chase policy:" York Daily Record, 6/18/06. Newberry Township Police only pursue for violent crimes, and they are proud of it. However, state law states that the chief should not make the information public.

"Question follows chase by police:" Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6/18/06. The questions always arise when a pursuit ends in death. 

"Zappala probe quiets police-chase critics:" Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 6/16/06. Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala claims, "Given the duration, it's hard to call it a pursuit." Although it only lasted 11.2 seconds, officers were following at deadly speeds with lights flashing. It seems like the deaths of two innocent citizens were because of a pursuit.

"Motorcyclist Killed in Highway Patrol Chase:" NBC 17, 6/16/06. North Carolina Troopers are getting out of control. This pursuit, in which a motorcyclist who was driving with a suspended license, was the fourth in "recent weeks" in which a fatality occurred.

"Police Chase Latest:" WRIC-TV8, 6/9/06. The driver of a stolen truck kills one in Richmond. How much longer will the citizens of this community stand for this testosterone driven policy?

"May Take... For what it's worth:" Cayman Net News, 06/07/06. Carol Hay can't understand the reasoning behind pursuits. "Would somebody in the know please tell me, what is the point of some testosterone driven cop with a chance to star in his very own 'Cops' show charging pell mell up and down our narrow pot-hole riddled streets risking the lives of people? Or, to put it more politely, police officers knowingly putting the lives of innocent civilians (and themselves), at risk when they conduct high-speed chases.  I forget who said it (if my memory serves me correctly it was an American coroner!), that pursuits of this nature are 'the most deadly weapon in the police arsenal.' Hear Hear."

"Harmful pursuits:" News Observer, 6/6/06. A writer believes the "sober, clear headed Highway Patrol troopers" are responsible for the deaths on innocent victims of police pursuits.

"City Seeks Answers to LAPD Delay:" LA Times, 5/22/06. City leaders are wondering why LAPD is having such a hard time perfecting a computer system that tracks officer conduct. This includes records of pursuits.

"Probe ordered into 'police pursuit' that left woman hurt:" New Zealand Herald, 05/22/06. New Zealand continues it's struggles with pursuits.

"1 hurdle left for new rules on chases:" IndyStar, 05/20/06. "Just one vote remains before new pursuit guidelines go into effect that would allow officers on Marion County's merged police force more freedom during car chases and let them use boxing or sideswiping techniques." How long until the Indianapolis Star is reporting a death as a result of a pursuit that should have been avoided?

"Columbus backs off limits on traffic pursuits by police:" The Plain Dealer, 05/15/06. Under newly passed guidelines, officers can "give chase if they have reasonable suspicion that a person was involved in a serious crime or is wanted on a warrant alleging a serious crime."

"Senate Bill Ups Penalties For Fleeing Police:" North Country Gazette, 05/16/06. The New York state Senate has passed a bill that would make it the sixteenth state to have felony pursuit laws on the books. Where are the other thirty-four?

"Officer linked to man's death fired:" Journalnow.com, 05/17/06. The Winston-Salem Police officer has been terminated for his actions in a chase that killed the felling suspect. According to the department, Brien Woosley violated the pursuit policy.

"FBI Releases Report on Police Officers Killed:" Conservative Voice, 5/16/06. 55 officers were killed in the line of duty during 2005. 15 of these unfortunate deaths were the result of "handing traffic pursuits/stops."

"New policy allows more police pursuits:" Akron Beacon Journal, 05/14/06. A new policy in Columbus, Ohio opens up the door for pursuits of nonviolent actions. How will the community react when one of their own is killed as a result of a pursuit of a suspect believed to have committed 'aggravated menacing'?" 

"On the Run: Police Chases:" ABC 13, 05/11/06. Michigan state police are making some changes to their pursuit policies. "The biggest change? More training... For many of these troopers, it was their first pursuit class since the academy. Trooper Jim Jarrett told us, 'It's been up to individual officers to be apprised of changes, trends, stuff like that. It's nice that the department's put it all together in a comprehensive package for us.' Michigan state police will now be required to file a report after every pursuit, something troopers did not previously do."

"California Connected Cuts to the Chase: Car Chases Kill:" News Blaze, 05/12/06. Our friend Candy Priano of Kristieslaw.org tells her story to the PBS produced show, California Connected.

"Police Chase Policies Change:" KTEN Oklahoma City, 05/09/06. Major changes in the Oklahoma City Police Department include a managing supervisor to increase accountability and increased training. This is a result of the death of an officer in October of last year. 

"'Menace on road' jailed:" Wanganui Chronicle, 05/11/06. Police officers in Wanganui, New Zealand are concerned with the increasing number of pursuits. "[P]olice prosecutor Sergeant Neil Forlong expressed concern about the increasing number of offenders who drove faster in the hope that police would abandon their chase." Perhaps a change in thinking can address the issue of dangerous driving during pursuits in a more productive manor.

"Top cops Officers, dispatcher honored:" The Gleaner, 05/08/06. The officer and dispatcher where honored for their calmness in potentially stressful situations. The reward for the dispatcher shows how important communication is during chases.

"Cops Shoot Vehicles for 'Tag and Track:'" Telematics Journal, 05/09/06. StarChase offers solutions for pursuits by "tagging" runaway vehicles with a GPS receiver. The prototype is planned for the third quarter of this year.

"High-speed pursuits call for slow going:" IndyStar, 05/09/06. "An analysis by The Star last year of 947 police pursuits in Indiana found that only 3 percent resulted in charges for violent felonies and nearly one in five resulted in injury. Between 1993 and 2003, 86 people in Indiana and 3,877 nationally were killed by police pursuits; nearly one-third were innocent third parties." Issues arise when departments merge.

"Teenage revhead jailed:" The Sunday Times, 05/07/06. "[O]ne of the toughest penalties handed out to an 18-year-old for those types of offences." Six months for fleeing from the police twice in three days. Apparently the penalties are not very severe in Southern River, Australia.

"Policies put heat on police chief:" Kansas City Star, 05/07/06. Independence Police Chief Fred Mills takes on scrutiny following the death of a 20-year-old who fled police.

"Put an end to needless police chases:" Kansas City Star, 05/06/06. Citizens of Kansas City wish for surrounding communities to adopt a similar pursuit policy as their own.

"Man gets 30 years in traffic fatality:" Clarion-Ledger, 05/06/06. The death of 59-year-old David Coon has cost Tommy Vargas at least 30 years thus far.

"Limits on police chases may ease:" IndyStar, 05/06/06. A new policy in Indianapolis runs into a few issues. "'If they say someone is at 16th and Keystone, and a second later they are at 20th and Keystone,' Huber said, 'you know they're going pretty fast.' Others are not so sure. John Phillips, president of the national advocacy group PursuitWatch, lost his sister in a police pursuit. He said the police should make all conditions of the pursuit available for review. 'If their reason to not report speed is to hide it from the media,' he said, 'that's suspect.'"

"JPD chief: Car chase justified:" Jackson Sun, 05/06/06. According to the Jackson Police, a 61-second pursuit for a seat belt violation, which ended in the injury of an innocent bystander, is justifiable. 

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