The Chicago Police Department unveiled a policy Tuesday that prohibits officers from pursuing suspects of minor offenses on foot or if people simply run away.
The new policy comes a year after police fatally shot 13-year-old Adam Toledo and 22-year-old Anthony Alvarez during separate chases last year, which were followed by a call from Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot for reforms on such pursuits.“The safety of our community members and our officers remain at the core of this new foot pursuit policy,” Superintendent David Brown said in a statement.
Under the new policy, officers cannot chase anyone in connection to minor offenses such as a parking violation, driving on a suspended license, or drinking in public. However, they are still allowed to pursue those suspected of committing a serious traffic offense such as driving under the influence and street racing, along with those suspected of committing a Class A misdemeanor such as domestic battery or a felony.
The decision on whether to pursue a suspect is still the responsibility of officers, including whether they believe the suspect poses a threat to public safety. However, the policy outlines some instances in which officers would need to stop pursuing a suspect, including stopping the pursuit if someone is injured, if the officers are unable to communicate with other officers, or if they no longer know where they are located.
The new policy in Chicago will go into effect by the end of the summer, allowing officers to receive proper training under the new orders, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Chicago Police Unveil Finalized Foot Pursuit PolicyChicago police officers must only engage in foot pursuits under a certain set of circumstances and will be required to continuously re-evaluate the need to continue such a pursuit while it’s in progress, according to a final version of the new policy.
Read more »
Third party takes police officer's Taser during wild arrest at Roosevelt Red Line stopA wild arrest on Chicago Transit Authority property Monday evening ended with a missing police Taser.
Read more »
Chicago shootings: 35 shot, 3 fatally in weekend violence, police sayChicago shootings over the weekend left at least 35 shot, three fatally, this weekend, police said.
Read more »
Chicago shootings: 38 shot, 4 fatally in weekend violence, police sayChicago shootings over the weekend left at least 38 shot, four fatally, this weekend, police said.
Read more »
CPD release photos of suspect in Rogers Park attempted sex assault that left woman severely injuredChicago police released photos of a suspect in a Rogers Park attempted sexual assault that left a woman severely hurt on Greenview.
Read more »
Authorities arrest pursuit suspect riding motorcycle wanted for traveling at high speedsThe suspect was initially wanted for traveling at speeds well over the speed limit, and when officers attempted to pull them over the fled, prompting the pursuit.
Read more »