Liability Question

[wisco]

I was watching a "Worlds Wildest Police Chases" show tonight and a scenario played out that I'm curious about.

Officer pulls over a vehicle for speeding (I think, didn't see the very beginning). Driver is DUI, passenger is also drunk. Driver is arrested and placed in back of the patrol car. Passenger then slides across seat and takes off in the truck. The officer hops in his squad and engages in a high speed chase after the passenger.

My question is, wouldn't that be a huge liability risk, performing a high speed chase with a suspect in the back of the squad?

It was mentioned this happened in Kentucky if that matters.

[retdetsgt]

We would be in deep you know what if we engaged in chase with prisoner in the car.

[greg72982]

Yep, that's why we have backup.

[Legoate]

Totally depends on department policy. It's only liability when something bad happens.

[mcsap]

I would have no problem going after the guy initially but would back off when other units could take over.

Idiots like that have a way of FINDING poles and or trees.

[retdetsgt]

I would have no problem going after the guy initially but would back off when other units could take over.

We wouldn't have problem unless the guy in the back seat got hurt. Then we would have a huge one. I'd just use the radio and try my best to keep the driver in sight without making it a "chase".

Besides, I think we have a specific G.O. prohibiting that. And I'm willing to bet that was written because of something that happened once.