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To the editor:
A police chase of a reportedly stolen car led to the car thief careening across a sidewalk during rush hour in front of Grand Central Terminal. A witness reportedly said the police vehicle was speeding as it chased the fleeing car; police supervisors deny the officers were speeding. At least 10 people were injured, several suffering serious injuries.
Recently, NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell has instituted a more proactive approach to apprehending fleeing suspects in speeding vehicles. According to the news site The City, the department has been involved in 600 vehicle chases through the first six months of this year, more than it initiated in the prior five years combined.
The problem with this approach is that no reasonable person would want to risk the life of an innocent child or adult caused by a police chase even if the police car is not going at an excessive speed. One innocent victim’s death is not worth the apprehension of 10 criminal suspects fleeing the scene.
The compromise solution to the danger of police chases is that pursuits at a safe speed should be permitted, but if the suspected criminal is speeding to avoid apprehension, the pursuit should be terminated immediately. Other strategies, such as roadblocks and aerial pursuits, can be used more safely. Police chases like those depicted in “Bullitt” and “The French Connection” should be limited to the movies.
Michael J. Gorman
Gorman is a retired NYPD lieutenant.
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