Oakland police will no longer need permission before chasing suspects at high speeds

"In a unanimous vote, the Oakland Police Commission determined Thursday that police can initiate a pursuit over 50 miles per hour at their own discretion, so long as they receive a supervisor's permission for it soon afterward. It is a significant victory for Chief Floyd Mitchell, who had sought for months to reverse a special order established by his predecessor that required prior approval for chases at those speeds."

"Police will still be limited to only pursuing individuals suspected of committing a forcible violent crime - robberies, for instance, but not burglaries - or if there's probable cause to believe a suspect is carrying a firearm. Officers must also consider at all times whether to terminate a chase, based on 19 risk factors that include road conditions and the likely presence of children or elderly pedestrians in the immediate area."

"Mitchell steadfastly argued that the policy limited his officers' ability to catch criminal suspects - a concern echoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on multiple occasions over the past year. In a letter last year to the city, Newsom described how California Highway Patrol officers deployed to Oakland had noticed suspects routinely using the same escape routes in which pursuits would prove dangerous. High-speed chases have led to deadly consequences in Oakland, including for innocent bystanders."

The Oakland Police Commission approved a policy allowing officers to start pursuits over 50 mph at their discretion, provided they obtain supervisor permission shortly thereafter. The change reverses a prior special order requiring prior approval and responds to concerns from Chief Floyd Mitchell and state officials about limiting officers' ability to catch suspects. Pursuits remain limited to suspected forcible violent crimes or when there is probable cause of firearm possession. Officers must weigh 19 risk factors, including road conditions and vulnerable pedestrians, and can terminate chases. Mitchell committed to quarterly reviews of collisions and injuries, while external monitors and critics will closely watch outcomes.

Read at The Mercury News