Original Post: WISN
MILWAUKEE --
Milwaukee police have placed new limitations on when officers are permitted to chase suspects.
Police officers first heard about the new policy Monday.
The policy changes pursuit rules that have been in place for 20 years.
Critics believe it will make criminals much more likely to flee from police.
"Well geez, I'm just gonna take off. They can't chase me anymore," said Alderman Bob Donovan.
Donovan, the head of the Public Safety Committee, said the new policy is almost an invitation for criminals to flee from police.
"That's gonna give everyone, all the other bad guys in town, a free ride," said Donovan.
Under the new policy, police can't chase suspects unless they have probable cause to believe the suspects are involved in a violent felony.
"The bad guys will quickly be educated as to the fact that, 'All I need to do is drive away and the police officers will pull to the curb,'" said President of the Milwaukee Police Association Michael Crivello.
Agree With Police Chase Policy? The police chief didn't say why he issued the new ruling. Most believe it stems from the deaths of three innocent victims killed over New Year's Eve when their vehicles were hit by cars being chased by police. But after reviewing those fatalities, the chief said police were not to blame.
"In both instances, the tapes make clear the police exercised restraint consistent with their training," said Police Chief Ed Flynn on January 10.
Monday Flynn released this statement. "I have an obligation to make sure that the danger represented by the suspect justifies the risk of violent death. All too often it clearly does not justify that risk."
Donovan said the new rules send the wrong message and might even hurt police morale.
"We spend a fortune training these individuals. They're professionals. Let's trust them. We need to empower our officers more, not take away their powers," said Donovan.
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