South Carolina Mayor bans police pursuit of suspects -- even foot pursuit

[Brendon]

Wellford Mayor Sallie Peake Defends No Chase Policy | WSPA

Just finished watching that video a few minutes ago. I'm sure many of us can think of a few politicians that made us think "What the hell is that person doing in an elected position?" Maybe even a recent president or two.

But... this lady is really on the most WTF person I've ever seen in an elected leadership position, even on a local level. Holy crap.

[Nole795]

Here is the article that BRENDON posted:


Wellford Mayor Sallie Peake Defends No Chase Policy

Chris Cato
Published: September 18, 2009

Updated September 18, 2009

(Wellford, SC)—The Mayor of Wellford is defending her policy which bans police officers in that city from chasing suspects. Sallie Peake says the policy also includes vehicle chases along with pursuits on foot.

A memo issued on September 2nd from Peake to all Wellford officers reads:

“As of this date, there are to be no more foot chases when a suspect runs. I do not want anyone chasing after any suspects whatsoever.“

WSPA first reported the mandate on Wednesday after an anonymous citizen faxed a copy of the memo to our newsroom. Peake was out of town and unavailable for comment. On Friday, reporter Chris Cato caught up with her in her office and questioned her about the origin of the policy. Peake says she issued the mandate because several officers have been injured during chases, driving up insurance costs for the town.

“The officers are costing us more money on insurance than most citizens here in the city of Wellford are even earning,“ says Peake.

She says the city is paying out $20,000 annually in workers’ compensation claims, much of it due to the police force. In July, two officers wrecked their cruisers while chasing suspects and had to go to the hospital for minor treatment. The police chief says three officers have been injured during foot chases in the last two years.

Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright says the policy prevents police from upholding the law—a direct violation of their constitutional oath.

“If a bank robber or a drunk driver or a shoplifter or somebody with a warrant runs on foot, it’s our obligation to do what we can do to bring them to justice,“ says Wright.

But when we asked Peake about her order impeding an officer from stopping a crime in progress, she became defensive and irate. The conversation went as follows:

Reporter: “Are you telling your officers if they witness a crime - they witness someone commit a crime on someone else and they’re ten yards away - they can’t go stop that person?“
Peake: “Is that in there?“ (referring to policy)
Reporter: “It says no chases whatsoever.“
Peake: “Well, that’s what I said, no chases, didn’t I? I didn’t say nothing about a crime. If you see a crime, this that and the other -“
Reporter: “Well, that’s what a chase is - “
Peake: “Well, I told them no chase on foot, and (the police chief) know exactly what I mean, so you’re trying to twist what I -“
Reporter: “No, I’m not. You said no chases. No chases means no chases.“
Peake: (claps hands) “You got you a story, thank God! You are so sweet! You got you a story on a woman in Wellford! Hallelujah! I’m so proud of you, Mr. Cato!“

Click here to see the entire interview.

Wellford Police Chief Chris Guy has told his officers to abide by the policy. He says they can still protect the public.

“Just because a suspect may run does not mean we can’t identify them, sign warrants, and catch them later,“ says Guy.

But Sheriff Wright says when a suspect gets away, there is always the chance he could hurt someone before officers catch up with him.

Peake says that won’t happen in Wellford.

Here’s hoping the arm of the law really is long.

Wellford Mayor Sallie Peake Defends No Chase Policy | WSPA

The Mayor is an idiot...

[GrahamX05]

You have GOT to be kidding me!!

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Time for the people to kick her out of office - or they should move to a city where the Mayor's head isn't stuck in her pooper.

[acreature]

:eek::eek::eek:

[WilliamTomFrank]

Now that I EVERYONE knows Wellford PD won't chase you, I think I'll go rob the mayor and steal her car!:D:rolleyes:

[Piggy]

Something tells me there is going to be a bit of a work slowdown there.

[retdetsgt]

I thought S. Carolina was kinda conservative..... I guess not....:eek:

I wonder how long that will last?

[Brendon]

It's the cost of doing business. If your town wants a police department, Ms. Mayor, you need to come to grips with the fact that officers get injured on the job. I'd have no problem if she decided that the cost of a police department was too high, disbanded it and asked the sheriff to patrol her town.

Half-assing things costs more than doing things right. At least you're paying the officers to do their jobs if they're chasing suspects on foot. So you lower costs somewhat by hamstringing them. But now they're getting paid and don't -can't- do their job! Dollar for dollar, it's more efficient to pay the excess money and have a productive department.

[cruzmisl]

What a joke!

[Wolfman]

Wow....:confused:. How can someone like that stay in office? Following her logic, I guess we should stop letting firemen go near flames, they might get burned, or the paramedics get near blood because they might catch something.

I especially love the part where she became the "condescending church-goer" trying to act holier-than-thou with her "bless you" this and that...

Please someone vote her out

[Buffboy]

Wow....:confused:. How can someone like that stay in office? Following her logic, I guess we should stop letting firemen go near flames, they might get burned, or the paramedics get near blood because they might catch something.

I especially love the part where she became the "condescending church-goer" trying to act holier-than-thou with her "bless you" this and that...

Please someone vote her out

The scary thing is: If you believe the comments on the article, she did just that earlier in her tenure. She disbanded the FD and the ambulance.

[greg72982]

Wow. This is why politicians need to stick to doing what they do best (lies/corruption) and let the police deal with policing.

[Creeker]

I don't even know why this is a story other than a study in stupidity.

Wellford is a town so damn small that I'd be surprised if they had more than 5 Cops total, including the Police Chief. I'd never heard of it and had to google it.

City of Wellford -- Police Dept

Its one of those burgs that didn't even have a zip code before the BMW plant put it on the map.

From the looks of things, the Mayor and all of the 4 Council are females... unless "Madison" is a guy.

[MyOwnNemesis]

Think I'll move there and open a Gun Store and a Pawn Shop. The locals will need some self defense and the thieves will need a place to sell their "goods" - it's win-win.