NYPD Changes High-Speed Chase Policy
New Policy Takes Effect February 1
The New York City Police Department is introducing a new policy aimed at curbing high-speed chases after finding that about one-quarter of over 2,200 initiated by officers last year resulted in a collision, property damage, physical harm, or death. The policy, effective February 1, will limit vehicle pursuits to only the most serious and violent crimes, excluding traffic infractions, violations, and nonviolent misdemeanors.
Officer Discretion Key
According to Commissioner Jessica Tisch, officers will need to consider whether a pursuit would pass through a residential neighborhood or near a school or playground, and will have the discretion to terminate chases if they do not feel it can be continued safely. The policy change aims to reduce the risk of accidents and harm to the public and police officers.
New Policy Response to Tragic Incident
The new policy comes after a tragic incident last October in which a bicycle rider was struck and killed by a pickup truck that police were chasing after a suspected robbery in Queens. Commissioner Tisch emphasized the need to ensure that police enforcement efforts do not put the public or the police at undue risk.
Shift in Enforcement Focus
The policy change reflects a shift in enforcement focus, from pursuing vehicles to apprehending criminals more safely and effectively. With advanced tools of modern-day policing, many pursuits are deemed unnecessary, and the new policy aims to reduce the number of high-speed chases.
Training and Compliance
The NYPD will train all uniformed officers in the new policy and conduct monthly reviews to ensure its implementation. Additionally, the department will issue an annual report tracking compliance with the policy.
Data Suggests Rise in High-Speed Chases
According to 911 data obtained by the website Streetsblog NYC, vehicle chases spiked from 15 in January 2022 to 227 in January 2024. Police made over 100 pursuits each month from July 2023 to September 2024, the last month for which data was available.
Conclusion
The new NYPD policy aims to reduce the number of high-speed chases, prioritizing public and police safety. By limiting pursuits to the most serious and violent crimes, the department seeks to make enforcement efforts more effective and safe.
FAQs
* When does the new policy take effect?
+ The new policy takes effect February 1.
* What types of crimes will the NYPD continue to pursue in vehicles?
+ The NYPD will continue to pursue vehicles in cases of serious and violent crimes, excluding traffic infractions, violations, and nonviolent misdemeanors.
* Will officers still have discretion in pursuing vehicles?
+ Yes, officers will have discretion to terminate chases if they do not feel it can be continued safely.
* Will the NYPD train all officers on the new policy?
+ Yes, the NYPD will train all uniformed officers on the new policy.
* Will the department track compliance with the policy?
+ Yes, the NYPD will issue an annual report tracking compliance with the policy.
