The tragic events of the past several weeks involving the deaths of Officers Don Overton and John Robinson have left some Memphians questioning the Police Department's pursuit policy. Does this policy somehow contribute to these terrible events? Do we give up because of the possible human cost associated with apprehending fleeing suspects? My answer is no.
Certainly, we must look to reduce the chances of such tragic events. However, we should not further restrict a police officer's ability to apprehend criminals. That would most assuredly send the message to criminals that they have won. Such a message would be a great injustice to the memory of Officers Overton and Robinson.
Many lawbreakers have become so bold as to actually feel they are at an advantage because of our pursuit policy. They realize the policy is inadvertently written to give them an incentive to flee and the police a disincentive to pursue. We must not retreat from our current policy position.
Moreover, it is important to remember that the police pursuit policy is not at fault in these two officers' deaths--the suspects are. For it is they who risked lives and ultimately took the lives of two of our finest to escape justice. It is city government's job to strengthen, not weaken, the police department's position when faced with the prospects of a pursuit. Our pursuit policy should reflect the technology era not the era of Bonnie and Clyde.
We should examine our current air patrol capabilities and how better to utilize police helicopters in the pursuit of fleeing suspects. This approach may allow ground officers to break off pursuits and have the suspects monitored from the air. Our community can place itself on the cutting edge of technological advancements. Computer devices are available that will allow law enforcement officials to electronically disable moving vehicles. It is possible that technology will render police chases obsolete. Such advancements will not only protect the lives of police officers in the line of duty, but also protect the lives of ordinary citizens.
Although this problem has touched Memphis in a profound and irrevocable way, it could happen in any community. It is not endemic to Memphis and Shelby County. Recently two deputies were shot while trying to apprehend a suspect in Hickman County. Another police officer was shot in Parsons. Memphis can lead the way by pooling resources with other cities. This will provide the most up to date air equipment and technological advancements. A partnership will enable us to protect all of the region's "thin blue line".
I have asked my counterparts in other municipalities to join me in formally requesting a "best practice" study from the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission. This invaluable resource was created for the sole purpose of assisting lawmakers with information from other regions of the country. The "best practice" studies tell government leaders how best to wage a successful war against crime using proven, innovative techniques. The Crime Commission accomplishes this by serving as a conduit of information between Memphis and other jurisdictions.
In memory of Officers Overton and Robinson, we cannot back down from the criminal element. We must not be intimidated when the costs are high. Officers Overton and Robinson didn't back down. They gave the ultimate sacrifice so you and I would be safe. We should use every available innovation in crime fighting to insure their sacrifice was not in vain.
