why is this lady still a mayor? (Florence, Myrtle Beach: felony, compensation)

[sailordave]

Wellford Mayor Sallie Peake Defends No Chase Policy | WSPA
She issued a "no chase" rule to the town's police dept. No chasing criminals, either in a car or on foot. Why even have a police department at all?

[rickers]

Maybe it's because she doesn't want her own kids getting into trouble and thats the only way she can keep them from getting arrested ! The political world is like a cesspool. --- All the scum floats to the top !

[sailordave]

What amazes me is she isn't in office in New Orleans or Los Angeles. Their "blame the cops, not the criminals" attitude would work well for her.

[innovator82]

She has been known for being a controversial character in the past. Around the beginning of the decade, she tried to turn her city into a haven for strip clubs and other adult businesses--against the express wishes of her city council as well as most citizens. She got a lot of the same type of media notoriety during that time.

[JS1]

Good! The cops don't care about the innocent citizens they run over in order to catch a shoplifter.

If the cops didn't abuse their power, this kind of order would never be necessary.

[pburgess68]

With that title, I thought you were referring to the Mayor of Atlantic Beach... Local Lawmaker demands removal of Atlantic Beach Mayor - WMBF News | Myrtle Beach/Florence,SC | News, Weather and Sports-

[PubSafetyDir]

Saw this story on CNN. What in the world is wrong with this 'so called mayor?' Just watching the video clip between her and the reporter made me ill. After investigating and reading post scripts on this mayor's past performances, I would say this small town has some "serious" issues that must be taken ASAP! As far as I can see the police squad in question is about five personnel strong. How many injurys can the five officer's possibly incur over a years time that would affect the towns compensation. This police of "no chase" is absolutely "Wrong", period. The town council needs to take immediate action to prevent further embarrassment and damage to the towns 'already tarnished appeal'. Sounds like those for the mayor, are the root problem, and have most likey used the mayor's influence 'as is the case in tiny towns' to wheel themselves out of a predicament or trouble! This is another case that will probably go to the Governors office requesting removal due to blatant gross incompentence. Hell, this mayor cannot even hold a civil conversation as demonstrated with the news reporter. It's time to act people!!!

[eureka1]

Sounds to me like an intelligent choice for a small town struggling with limited resources. Of course it's easy to ***** when you're not responsible for making the tough choices.

[Huckleberry3911948]

dear OP
i am in agreement but i am dumbfounded. some months ago you posted on oakland cop killing in strong support of the felon that killed the cops. why are you now defending and supporting the cops now? i went back and checked just to make sure i had not confused you with someone else. help me out on this one. i dont understand but want to. you can DM me if you want to get me on track.

[lisake]

I'm all for police departments implementing safe-pursuit policies. Many PDs have directives that prohibit high-speed VEHICLE pursuits except in cases where the police can reasonably assume that the suspect has or will commit a violent felony. This is primarily to protect innocent citizens and the police officers, not to "coddle" the criminals. Two or more vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed on city streets have and will cost many innocent lives. In the case of a dope smoker, not worth the risk. Endangering others while in pursuit of a robber or rapist or murderer--to prevent further violence--is justified, IMO.

However, foot chases are another matter. It's highly unlikely that a police officer, criminal or innocent bystander will be seriously injured or killed in a foot pursuit. It's a critical part of the job (and always fun to watch on Cops).

And to say "no chases period," giving the police officers no leeway to weigh the various risks, does indeed give license to criminals to hightail it whenever they're caught. If a police officer sees a suspect fleeing a wrecked car to carjack another as a means of escape, the police officer must sit by and just watch? That's just assinine, and the mayor is opening the town up to a potentially huge lawsuit in addition to endangering its citizens and police.

Also, she's obviously a crazy lady with a huge chip on her shoulder. I don't normally like TV news or TV newpeople, but this reporter handled the crazy mayor lady well. She, on the other hand, was extremely unprofessional, and I'd be embarrassed if she were my mayor.

Just one more embarrassing politician from South Carolina. Guess we'll see her soon on The Daily Show, but at least that will be funny.