Mother of Police Chase Victim Seeks Reform
by TChris
Kristie's Law would prohibit high speed police pursuits in California unless the fleeing driver is suspected of involvement in a violent felony. Kristie was the innocent victim of a high speed chase. Her mom complains that "[l]aw enforcement's meaningless alternative to Kristie's Law, Senate Bill 719, is sailing through the Legislature."
SB719 would require law enforcement to adopt a pursuit policy, but this reform is mostly symbolic. Police departments must already adopt a pursuit policy to receive blanket immunity from civil liability. Romero's bill retains California's unique injustice of immunity even when the policy is not followed. It states only that departments must adopt, distribute and have officers read the policy. This reform implies that officers are not even reading their policy! Where is the accountability? Can you think of any other public-safety priority where thoughtful policy is developed, adopted, and then legally ignored?
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