COLUMBIA, S.C. — New Bill Seeks Uniform Police Pursuit Policy
A new legislative proposal in South Carolina aims to establish a statewide uniform policy for police pursuits, focusing on safety during high-speed chases. The bill, pre-filed by Senator Darrell Jackson, calls for the State Law Enforcement Training Council to develop a consistent policy to be implemented across all law enforcement agencies in the state.
Current Situation
Currently, South Carolina lacks a uniform guideline for police pursuits. In 2022, lawmakers mandated that individual agencies formulate their own pursuit policies, but Jackson believes that these regulations are inconsistent. “We all want them to catch the bad guys. But is a bad guy, somebody with an expired license tag, worth driving through a neighborhood at 90 miles an hour?” Jackson questioned. Such pursuits have led to tragic outcomes, including innocent lives being lost.
Proposed Guidelines
The proposed bill specifies conditions under which police officers can initiate pursuance. These guidelines are designed to protect the public while ensuring that law enforcement can effectively carry out their duties. The urgency of the situation is further highlighted by recent data.
Data Insights
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department provided statistics revealing that police pursuits in 2023 and early 2024 are lower than in previous years. From 2019 through 2024, deputies were involved in 254 pursuits, resulting in 67 vehicle crashes. Out of these, six crashes led to injuries of individuals other than the suspect or deputy.
A report from the Police Executive Research Forum indicated an alarming average of 370.5 fatal crashes per year associated with police pursuits nationwide between 2015 and 2020. This reality has prompted calls to prioritize public safety more robustly, according to Geoff Alpert, a professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of South Carolina. “The biggest component is, why? What do we know about this person, and how serious is it to put lives at risk?” Alpert emphasized.
Limitations on Use of Firearms
The bill also proposes restrictions on the use of firearms during pursuits. Officers would be allowed to fire at a moving vehicle only if it presents an immediate and serious risk of harm. Additionally, the legislation mandates a training program will be developed for law enforcement agencies focused on standard procedures for chases. Jackson stresses the importance of rational decision-making: “Here’s some things that I have to keep in mind not just use your better judgment, because sometimes our best judgment is impaired by emotions.”
Next Steps
The bill is set to be reviewed by the Judiciary Committee when lawmakers reconvene on January 14. As the state grapples with rising concerns regarding the safety implications of police pursuits, this legislative proposal aims to create a more standardized and safer approach to law enforcement activities.
The introduction of this bill signals a crucial step towards addressing public safety during high-speed car chases while ensuring that law enforcement agencies have clear and consistent guidelines to follow.
