Police chases in metro Atlanta can be deadly. 3 more people were killed Sunday night (crimes, live)

[atler8]

As noted in the linked AJC piece, various jurisdictions already have a policy in place to not engage in that manner for some types of crimes.
Often the victim's in such cases are motorists who have nothing to do with the criminal activity to which the police are responding.
You may recall the tragic case several years ago of the speeding A.P.D. officer who rammed into a van in downtown Atlanta & killed a female passenger whose family was headed to a Brave's game.
Given that we are a metropolis of over 5.5 million residents, is speed the best course on our roadways?
Your thoughts please as to the appropriate use of speed in chases on the roads of metro Atlanta.

https://www.ajc.com/news/local/few-a...qah2Kg8xmEdZN/

[samiwas1]

Originally Posted by atler8

As noted in the linked AJC piece, various jurisdictions already have a policy in place to not engage in that manner for some types of crimes.
Often the victim's in such cases are motorists who have nothing to do with the criminal activity to which the police are responding.
You may recall the tragic case several years ago of the speeding A.P.D. officer who rammed into a van in downtown Atlanta & killed a female passenger whose family was headed to a Brave's game.
Given that we are a metropolis of over 5.5 million residents, is speed the best course on our roadways?
Your thoughts please as to the appropriate use of speed in chases on the roads of metro Atlanta.

https://www.ajc.com/news/local/few-a...qah2Kg8xmEdZN/

My opinion has always been "nip it in the bud". if it's serious enough that you need to chase them, just ram them off the road in the first place, at the first available safe opportunity. These chases that go on for 45 minutes with ten cop cars are ridiculous.

[arjay57]

High speed police chases are almost always a bad idea. Is a stolen car (which was probably insured) worth sacrificing three innocent lives?

If I'm not mistaken high speed police chases are banned in the city of Atlanta, except maybe in the most extreme circumstances.

[PKCorey]

Originally Posted by samiwas1

My opinion has always been "nip it in the bud". if it's serious enough that you need to chase them, just ram them off the road in the first place, at the first available safe opportunity. These chases that go on for 45 minutes with ten cop cars are ridiculous.

GSP likely would have done that but they are known for being brutal during chases which have left multiple people dead in their wake.

[samiwas1]

modcut

Originally Posted by PKCorey

GSP likely would have done that but they are known for being brutal during chases which have left multiple people dead in their wake.

That's why I specifically added "at the first available safe opportunity". Chases should not start on city streets. But on the highway, there are often times where you can ram them into the wall or something before they get too far.

[PKCorey]

Originally Posted by samiwas1

That's why I specifically added "at the first available safe opportunity". Chases should not start on city streets. But on the highway, there are often times where you can ram them into the wall or something before they get too far.

I'm with you. I'm stating that GSP is notorious for the pit maneuver at any speeds to stop chases. One of the reasons are chases end so quickly here.

[AcidSnake]

There needs to be modified traffic lights specifically for police chases.

Sort of like how Traffic lights can be altered by a device from a Firetruck to alter its timing for safe and speedy passage of the vehicle, maybe the same can be done for a police car if police chases in a congested area are deemed a priority.

Maybe add a blue light on the traffic signal to motion drivers to stop during police emergency operations.

I know that expecting such an idea to gain steam is quite difficult for government mired in entrenched bureaucracy.

But if human life in general is deemed priceless...I would think that maybe some effort should be enjoined to ensure safety for everyone during police emergency situations.

[arjay57]

An update.

The off-duty deputy soon heard about the crash on the radio. He drove up and saw two men running around “on fire,” the report says.

It remains unclear if the pursuit was within the bounds of South Fulton’s police pursuit policy.

Unlike some metro Atlanta departments, South Fulton’s policy allows officers to chase cars simply because they’re stolen. Other agencies, such as Gwinnett and Atlanta police, don’t allow officers to chase a stolen car unless there is a reason to suspect the driver is more dangerous than the pursuit itself.

South Fulton Police Chief Keith Meadows told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday he’d worked a few weeks before the wreck to revise the policy to better clarify when it would be proper to chase a stolen car. “We want to put in criteria other than a stolen vehicle,” he said.

More...Report deepens questions on fatal South Fulton police chase

[PKCorey]

Sounds like South Fulton is going be on the hook for this crash.

With the video evidence destroyed, its going be interesting

[Senior7]

Knock them right off the road like they do in UK with motor bike thieves .