Police Pursuits: Understanding the Real Risks and Challenges

When the media talks about police pursuits, the narrative often turns to dramatic and tragic scenarios. However, the reality is often far less sensational. Despite popular beliefs, only a very small percentage of car chase participants end up being killed by pursuing police officers. The real issue lies in the frequency of use of force incidents during these pursuits. This article explores why high-speed chases so often result in police using force, while also providing insights from a former law enforcement officer with 33 years of experience.

The Statistics and the Question Behind the Scenes

According to numerous studies, less than 1% of car chase participants are killed by pursuing police officers. This statistic is often overlooked, leading to a misunderstanding of the situation. The real question we should be asking is: why do police pursuits lead to incidents where force is used by police?

The answer to this question often points to adrenaline—a natural byproduct of stress and competitive situations. In high-stress situations like high-speed chases, emotions and adrenaline can significantly affect behaviors. While most pursues end without any fatalities, there are instances where tensions escalate to the point where force is necessary. This can often be attributed to the heightened emotions and stress involved in such scenarios.

Personal Experience: A Former Police Officer's Perspective

I served as a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) for 33 years, during which time I was involved in several high-speed pursuits but never found myself in a situation where I had to shoot anyone. One notable incident involved a pursuit where my agency was involved in a shooting that did not result in fatality. This event was an exception, and in many other pursuits, the outcomes were very different.

Police pursuits typically end in one of three ways:

The Driver Escapes: This is most common when the driver is on a motorcycle or a vehicle that can escape the pursuit off the road. In such cases, the pursuit ends without the use of force. The Driver Gives Up: Upon realizing they are caught, drivers may choose to stop. At this point, they are subject to gunpoint removal and questioning to understand the reasons for fleeing. Supervisor or Officer Terminates the Pursuit: Given the potential risks to the public, many pursuits are ended by supervisors or the officers themselves before they become too dangerous.

The Role of Public Reporting and Media Bias

It's important to note that not all aspects of police pursuits make it into the news. Media has a responsibility to report on a range of incidents, not just the most dramatic. Here’s how the media typically approaches reporting on police pursuits:

Ordinary Endings: If the suspect surrenders or safely escapes, it is often not considered newsworthy. Rare Crashes and Fatalities: Incidents involving crashes, where a suspect may die, or if the suspect uses lethal force against officers, are given significant coverage due to their rarity and the high emotional impact.

These biases can create a skewed perception of police pursuits and their outcomes. It's crucial to understand that while the media might sensationalize certain moments, real-life pursuits involve a variety of outcomes that are often more mundane and less deadly than portrayed.

Public Safety over High-Pressure Situations

To address the risks associated with police pursuits, many law enforcement agencies have implemented stricter guidelines and policies. These guidelines aim to reduce the hazards to the public and the officers involved. For instance, many agencies now prohibit high-speed pursuits outside of specific circumstances, prioritizing public safety over the pursuit of suspects.

In conclusion, while police pursuits can be high-stakes and emotionally charged, the vast majority of them do not end in fatalities. The real challenges lie in managing the risks and ensuring the safety of all involved. Adrenaline, public perception, and the media's role in shaping narratives all play significant roles in the way these events are perceived and handled.