NCJ Number
133634
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: (1991) Pages: 53-59
Date Published
1991
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The utility of police automobile pursuits of fleeing suspects is examined in terms of the conflict between law enforcement and order maintenance.
Abstract
The issue is whether the maintenance of order has precedence over the enforcement of the law. It raises the question of ethics in policing, and how police should act in conflicting circumstances. In the ethical framework known as utilitarianism, the utility of an action can be determined based on the actual or potential outcome for maximizing the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Three basic principles for evaluating value commitments between police and society are suggested: the value of all human life; the avoidance of physical injury; and the use of police force only to prevent physical harm to others. In terms of police pursuits, the utility must be questioned because of the significant number of chases involving non-felons and the great potential for injury as a result of automobile accidents. These authors maintain that pursuit of even the most violent felons should be limited in certain circumstances, where the potential for serious injury or death surpasses the benefit of apprehending the suspect. Police departments should adopt and enforce stringent pursuit policies in order to both enforce the law and maintain order. 10 references