The Memphis Shelby Crime Commission has released a long awaited study on high-speed pursuits of fleeing criminal suspects. Councilman Brent Taylor requested the study in early 2000 following the deaths of two Memphis Police officers in high-speed car crashes.
The report says automobile pursuits are one of the most dangerous areas of law enforcement. The study takes note of the risks to police officers, suspects, and innocent citizens. Helicopter surveillance is suggested as an alternative to high-speed chases as are various methods for disabling fleeing automobiles.
"I'm pleased so many local law enforcement agencies have come together to learn how to reduce the risks associated with pursuits," said Councilman Taylor. "Cooperation among police departments will help diminish the hazards to everyone," he stated. Taylor arranged a meeting at Germantown City Hall for the Crime Commission to make its formal presentation of the study. Police officials from Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Memphis, and Millington attended in addition to Mayor Ken Fulmar of Bartlett and Mayor Sharon Goldsworthy of Germantown.
"Everyone in law enforcement wants to reduce the number of high-speed police chases and the dangers that accompany these pursuits," remarked Taylor, "but criminals must know that the police won't simply retreat. This report continues the educational effort to make pursuits safer and less likely."
