Oakland mulls whether to loosen police pursuit policies [Video]

To chase or not to chase in Oakland?

OPD pursuit policy

What we know:

The Oakland Police Commission is considering whether to loosen the city’s police pursuit policies. Currently, city officers cannot chase suspects for activities such as sideshows, reckless driving, burglaries, and other property crimes.

“They come and bust into your building, bust into your business, run into your house, and know they can run and not get pursued,” said newly elected Oakland City Councilmember Ken Houston. He said the city should allow pursuits in more circumstances to combat an image of lawlessness on the streets.

“But if they have the option, and we have police officers that are trained, highly trained. People make mistakes, but they are highly trained. They’ll make a sound judgment,” Houston said.

Newsom wants change

What they’re saying:

Gov. Gavin Newsom has asked Oakland to adopt less stringent pursuit policies, stating that CHP officers have witnessed suspects, aware of Oakland police policies, committing less serious crimes …