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

"OAKLAND A civilian oversight body with unprecedented authority over the city's police will allow officers significantly more flexibility in deciding whether to chase suspects at high speeds through city streets. 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. 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."

"High-speed chases have led to deadly consequences in Oakland, including for innocent bystanders. Mitchell, though, promised on Thursday to hold quarterly reviews of the number of collisions and injuries that result from pursuits. Everyone's going to be watching this, Mitchell said at the commission meeting, noting that a court-appointed official assigned to monitor the Oakland Police Department is paying close attention to the policy."

A civilian oversight body granted Oakland police flexibility to initiate high-speed pursuits. The commission voted unanimously to permit officers to start pursuits over 50 miles per hour at their discretion, provided a supervisor grants permission soon afterward. The change reverses a prior special order requiring prior approval and represents a policy victory for Chief Floyd Mitchell. California officials and deployed CHP officers reported suspects using repeat escape routes where pursuits could be dangerous. High-speed chases have caused deadly consequences, including harm to innocent bystanders. Mitchell pledged quarterly reviews of collisions and injuries from pursuits while a court-appointed monitor will observe the policy. Pursuits remain limited to forcible violent crimes and probable firearm possession.

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