Oakland is changing its police pursuit policy, and supporters say it will allow officers to catch criminals more effectively.
Still, not everyone is onboard.
The issue has been on the table for months and had renewed emphasis after the death of a popular teacher earlier this year. The policy finally got unanimous approval from the police commission Thursday night.
The chase first, call for approval second policy allows officers to initiate police pursuits above 50 mph, but they will need to get supervisor approval in order to continue it.
If they don’t get approval or the supervisor does not respond immediately, the officer must end the pursuit.
The pursuit issue has been a big one in Oakland, especially after Marvin Boomer, an educator at Castlemont High, was killed by a driver being pursued by the California Highway Patrol.
Boomer’s friends and family were upset the chase took place. One friend spoke at the police commission’s meeting Thursday night.
“I feel like there may be more danger … car accidents … you never know what may happen,” Khantane Jackson said.
Public safety advocates say the city needs to send a strong message to criminals, and it may make them reconsider their actions in Oakland.
Oakland police says it will give quarterly reports on pursuits to the Police Commission and City Council.
The goal is to implement the new policy by January.
Ginger Conejero Saab
Source link