NCJ Number
176371
Date Published
1998
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study conducted drug tests for the general range of British arrestees at five locations in England in 1996-97.
Abstract
Findings show that between 1992-93 and 1996-97, 13 people died in Queensland as a result of police pursuits, and 90 sustained injuries. This number is much higher than the number killed or injured over the same period through the discharge of firearms by police officers. People most likely to be killed or injured in a police pursuit were the occupants of the pursued vehicle; no police officers were killed in the 5 years examined, but three civilians not involved in the pursuit were killed. The driver of the pursued vehicle was usually a young male. Most drivers were unlicensed, and approximately 25 percent were affected by alcohol. These factors, plus the fact that the vehicle was often stolen, may have influenced the driver's decision not to pull over when an officer instructed them to do so. Approximately one-third of the vehicles pursued were motorbikes. This report notes that the preparedness of police to initiate pursuits may be a deterrent in some cases, but this must be balanced against the broader duty of police to protect life and property. The high risks and costs of police pursuits in Queensland highlights the need for a thorough examination of existing police policies and practices. Suggestions for clarifying and tightening official policy focus on officer education and training regarding the risks of pursuits and when pursuits should be initiated and terminated; officer supervision; driver training; and disciplinary action when a clear breach of policy occurs. 7 tables, appended supplementary information, and 49 references