Police Chase Rethink Praised

The wise choice of Waikato Police to attenuate Police chase activities in lieu of recent tragedies, yet still some time on from the delivery Justice Goddards Police chase report, is lauded by the Candor Trust.

Waikato Police have let it be known they are now looking for 2 offenders who shot the gap when Police attempted to approach. Perhaps they need ability to clamp the offenders vehicles next time they are located, making any chase by foot?

The evidence is compelling that Police chases have not been well managed, with increasingly adverse effect on road safety in recent years. Justice Goddard recommended leaving motorcyclists out of high speed pursuits and much more restraint over chasing young persons.

Queenslands State Coroner Michael Barnes yesterday handed down 13 recommendations after investigating fatal police chases that occurred between 2005 and 2008.

The recommendations made in Queensland included tougher penalties for drivers who flee police, stopping police chasing drug or alcohol-affected drivers and using new technology to avoid pursuits.

Candor has consistently advocated all of the above as required principles to guide modern safety centered Policing. Police must set an example and avoid participation in reckless driving and ratcheting up risks posed to themselves, runners and the Public.

It is time now to review whether Justice Goddards recommendations have had any impact on Police road behaviour with safety gains to the community, and if not to make firm changes to operational policy.

This could constitute a subsection of a more general review to establish what is the ideal enforcement level for injury prevention, says Candor representative Rachael Ford.

A fresh look is needed - analyses by the AA has tipped that too much of it on our roads may not be a good thing and may be detrimental (AA, Safer Journeys submission). If the Police Minister is truly concerned about violence and injury drivers, she'll start by getting her own force in order.

ENDS

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