Dangerous police chases prompt revisions to pursuit policies

Tuesday, October 25th 2005, 5:57 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Some police departments across the nation are adopting new policies against high-speed pursuits, except in cases where the fleeing suspect is a violent felon.

The Phoenix Police Department Monday started training its officers for such a policy. A spokesman for the Phoenix PD says the need to catch a suspect is outweighed by the need to protect the community. Spokesman Andy Hill says even suspects in stolen vehicles won't be pursued unless they are known to have committed a violent crime.

Funeral services were held Monday for Oklahoma City Sergeant Jonathan Dragus, who died Thursday when his patrol car crashed while chasing a suspect on a stolen motorcycle.

Oklahoma City Police Captain Jeffrey Becker says, like all pursuits, the case will be reviewed by the department to ensure proper procedures were followed.