The Chicago Police Department unveiled a new pursuit policy on Wednesday that discourages officers from chasing certain criminal suspects on foot and more tightly regulates the practice.
The rule changes, which are set to take effect on June 11, prohibit law enforcement from running after a suspect who has been accused of a crime less than a Class A misdemeanor unless that individual “poses an obvious threat to the community or any person.” Officers will also be advised not to pursue people on foot who have committed “minor traffic offenses” or individuals not “worth the risk to responding officers, the public or the subject.”
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“Because foot pursuits are one of the most dangerous actions that police officers can engage in, we cannot afford to wait any longer to put a policy in place that regulates them,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement. “The important parameters outlined in this policy will not only protect our officers, the public and potential suspects during foot pursuits, but it also serves as a step forward in our mission to modernize and reform our police department.”
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The revised pursuit policy advises law enforcement not to separate from their partner, to turn on their body cameras during chases, and to terminate chases that involve a suspect who policemen would not be able to “control” if apprehended. Starting in June, officers need to notify the Office of Emergency Management and Communications in the event of a pursuit and conduct themselves in a manner “meant to reduce the possibility of a” chase.
All foot chases are banned unless “there is probable cause for an arrest or it is believed an individual has committed, is committing or is about to commit a crime.”
“It’s essential the voices of our officers and community members are represented in policies that can directly affect them,” department Superintendent David Brown said in a statement. “As we transform the police department through reform, we will continue to collaborate with our residents to make Chicago safer for everyone.”
Revisions to the guidelines may occur, and a final policy is expected to be drafted by September. The matter is open for public comment, and uniformed personnel will be required to complete online coursework to familiarize themselves with the changes.
The announcement follows the March 29 death of 13-year-old Adam Toledo. Body camera footage showed an officer with the Chicago Police Department chasing the teenager, who was armed with a gun, before shooting him in an alleyway.
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There has been a discrepancy as to whether Toledo was holding the firearm in his hand at the moment gunfire erupted or if the 13-year-old dropped the gun moments before the policeman pulled the trigger. On April 18, Assistant State’s Attorney James Murphy was placed on leave for failing “to fully present the facts” of the case after he suggested Toledo was, in fact, holding a pistol at the exact time the officer fired.
The 13-year-old’s death sparked protests in the Chicago area as attorneys for his family claimed the shooting was unjustified.
