NY AG James Targets Deadly Police Chase Policies

NEW YORK – A new report released today by New York Attorney General Letitia James shines a harsh light on the deadly consequences of police vehicle pursuits, and proposes sweeping reforms to curb the escalating danger on state roadways. The report, titled “Improving Policing and Public Safety: Problems Presented by Police and Vehicle Pursuits,” details a pattern of escalating traffic stops into high-speed chases that routinely result in injuries and fatalities for drivers, passengers, bystanders, and even the officers involved.

The Grimy Times has long documented the reckless disregard for public safety often exhibited during these chases. Attorney General James’s findings corroborate this, revealing that from 1996 to 2015, an average of 355 people – nearly one person per day – were killed annually in pursuit-related crashes, according to data from the Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). The report doesn’t shy away from detailing specific instances within New York State where police pursuits went horribly wrong, leaving a trail of devastation and raising serious questions about departmental policies.

“Millions of New Yorkers take to the roads each day, and they deserve policing and traffic enforcement that is safe, fair, and effective,” said Attorney General James. “The evidence is clear: police vehicle pursuits and high-speed car chases can be dangerous and even fatal, and it is time for a change. We are proposing these reforms to improve public safety for everyone on the road – drivers, passengers, and law enforcement.” The report highlights a disturbing trend of routine traffic stops escalating into potentially lethal chases, often over minor infractions.

The AG’s office isn’t simply pointing fingers; the report meticulously examines successful strategies implemented in other jurisdictions. Milwaukee, for example, drastically altered its policy in 2010, requiring officers to establish probable cause of a violent felony before initiating a pursuit – a change directly linked to a reduction in pursuit-related deaths. New York City has recently implemented a similar policy, limiting pursuits to only the most serious and violent crimes, ditching the practice of chasing down motorists for simple traffic violations. Buffalo has banned pursuits stemming from traffic violations, misdemeanors, or non-violent felonies, while Albany requires officers to weigh several factors before engaging in a chase, including public safety and the possibility of later apprehension.

The report outlines two key recommendations for statewide reform. First, it calls for legislation mandating increased transparency. All New York law enforcement agencies would be required to track and publish data on traffic pursuits and high-speed chases, fostering public accountability and allowing oversight agencies to better protect civil liberties. The Attorney General suggests the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) serve as the central agency for data collection. Secondly, the report proposes a ban on high-speed police pursuits, with limited exceptions reserved for situations involving serious or violent felonies – or an imminent threat of such.

While acknowledging that pursuits may occasionally be necessary, the report emphasizes the overwhelming evidence demonstrating the inherent dangers. The OAG’s findings represent a critical step towards re-evaluating police tactics and prioritizing public safety over the often-reckless pursuit of minor offenders. The Grimy Times will continue to monitor the implementation of these proposed reforms and hold law enforcement accountable for ensuring the safety of all New Yorkers.

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