Prompt Cast
The dangers and controversies surrounding police chases
TLDR Police chases are highly dangerous and can result in the death of innocent civilians. While officers receive minimal training on high-speed pursuits, there are various techniques and technologies that can be used to prevent chases and disable vehicles.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Police chases are deadly and dangerous, with about 140 innocent civilians killed each year and a person dying from a police chase on average every day.
03:56
High-speed pursuits are dangerous for everyone involved, including the police officer, and not pulling over for a cop is reason enough for them to chase you, with only about two days of training dedicated to high-speed pursuit in police academies.
07:31
Police officers receive minimal training on high-speed pursuits, and the most common police car, the Ford Crown Victoria, is being replaced due to safety concerns.
11:01
Police can prevent chases from happening by using spike strips, roadblocks, and modern techniques such as microwave technology and laser systems to disable vehicles.
14:20
The pursuit of a suspect is generally supported if they are a violent criminal who poses an imminent threat, but 43% of pursuits in 2011 were for traffic violations.
18:12
The majority of police chases are for nonviolent crimes, and factors such as traffic, road conditions, and the presence of pedestrians are taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to pursue a suspect.
21:55
Police chase shows often present an unbalanced picture by not showing the dangers and risks involved, and they tend to portray the police in a favorable light.
25:19
Police departments have specific procedures for police chases, but even if a cop violates these procedures, they are not breaking any laws; however, some areas have implemented restrictive pursuit policies that have led to a decline in felonies.
28:57
The episode ends with various plugs for the podcast's website, Kiva team, and social media accounts, as well as advertisements for Audible.com, Partners Coffee, and another podcast called Mind the Business.
Categories:
Society & Culture
