New York’s Staten Island. Last Monday, Jessica Tisch, the commissioner of police for New York City, unveiled a new guideline regarding the pursuit of vehicles by the Police Department.
The policy establishes rules and requirements for when cops are allowed to pursue vehicles. While still enabling law enforcement to capture people wanted in violent and major instances, these rules are hailed as a means of enhancing the safety of both NYPD personnel and civilians.
Following training for all NYPD uniformed officers, the policy will take effect on February 1.
The following four points pertain to the recently implemented policy:
1. Officer discretion
According to the new policy, only the most violent and significant crimes (violent misdemeanors and felonies) will provide NYPD officers the authority to start a pursuit.
Officers will not be allowed to pursue suspects for non-violent misdemeanors, traffic infractions, or violations. Their discretion will also be limited by the location of the pursuit, including whether it takes place close to a playground, school, or residential neighborhood.
2. Actively monitor, manage
This policy will give supervisors the extra duty of actively monitoring and controlling pursuits, including determining the chase’s speed and requesting specialized units when needed.
According to the NYPD, officers who end a pursuit because of safety concerns will not face criticism or disciplinary action.
3. Monthly reviews
Improvements in technology will also guarantee adherence and document these efforts. The NYPD will monitor car pursuits once a month to make sure these policies are being followed and to pinpoint areas that need improvement.
Along with requiring an annual report on the policy and reporting processes, the policy modification would also establish mandatory academy training on the subject.
4. Pursuits on Staten Island
About 25% of the 2,278 car chases that took place in 2024, according to the NYPD, ended in a collision, property damage, or bodily injury. Sixty-seven percent of the 2,278 pursuits were started by someone escaping a traffic stop, many of which would no longer be allowed under the new regulation.
About 25% of the 2,278 car chases that took place in 2024, according to the NYPD, ended in a collision, property damage, or bodily injury. A 2023 file photo is displayed. (Reader of SILive.com/Advance)Thanks to the reader of Advance/SILive.com
An allegedly stolen commercial box truck crashed through multiple Staten Island neighborhoods in December 2023 as police tried to stop it, resulting in dozens of other automobiles being wrecked, seven police officers being hurt, and seven NYPD vehicles being damaged.
After that, the truck allegedly backed into three NYPD cars, dragging one of them 40 feet after becoming entangled with it.
In 2023, a police pursuit in New Dorp came to an end behind Mill Road’s The Boulevard shopping store. This file photo displays it. (Jan Somma-Hammel/Staten Island Advance)Jan. Somma-Hammel/Staten Island Advance
After a spectacular chase during the morning rush hour in November 2023, which ended with police apprehending a driver behind a major strip mall in New Dorp, an NYPD officer was hurt.
The driver allegedly disobeyed the cops’ commands and fled while they were conducting a traffic stop. According to the authorities, during the incident, the driver’s vehicle struck two marked NYPD cars and two parked civilian cars.
On Saturday, December 30, 2023, in Dongan Hills, a car crashed and caught fire at the intersection of Richmond Road and Hunton Street while an NYPD police cruiser was pursuing it. (The Staten Island Advance’s Owen Reiter)Reiter, Owen
Nine people, including two NYPD officers and four children, were hurt in various crashes in December 2023 after a Brooklyn man led police on a chaotic chase. The culprit ran stop lights at busy crossings close to the Staten Island Expressway.
Chief of Department John Chell stated, “Keeping the citizens of this great city safe is our main goal every minute of every day.” To do that, we must apprehend offenders when necessary and remain silent when the dangers to the public and our law enforcement officers outweigh the rewards. Our updated policy achieves that crucial balance and will increase community and police safety in our city.
Related coverage: NYPD News
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