Proposal for Changes to OPD's Pursuit Policies
Public Safety Committee Meeting:
May 14, 2024
Presenters:
Councilmembers Jenkins and Reid
Introduction
City of Oakland defines a pursuit as such:
A Vehicle Pursuit is an event involving one or more law enforcement officers attempting to apprehend a suspected or actual violator of the law in a motor vehicle while the driver is using evasive tactics, such as high-speed driving, driving off a highway or turning suddenly but failing to yield to the officer’s signal to stop.
Legislative History
In August of 2014 OPD released Department General Order J-04 This document, Departmental General Order J-04 (DGO J-04) on Pursuit Driving, outlines the rules and procedures for police officers involved in vehicle chases and decisions on using pursuit intervention techniques. It also covers the duties of supervisors and commanders related to managing these pursuits and techniques. This policy hasn't been updated since August 25, 2014.
This policy was modified in 2018
Legislative History
In December of 2022 OPD changed the pursuit policy with Special Order 9212 The special order stated:
Vehicle pursuits shall be terminated 1 if the speed of the pursued or pursuing vehicles reaches or exceeds 50 miles per hour (mph) on any roadway or off-road area that is not a controlled access freeway (hereafter “city streets”) unless permission to exceed 50 mph is given by a watch commander or command officer. Involved personnel may request, and watch commanders or command officers may provide, preapproval for speeds in excess of 50 mph.
Considerations
It is common knowledge that pursuits can be dangerous and can lead to injuries to bystanders and property There is a increased public interest in the pursuit policy associated with the increase of violent and property crimes in the city In March of this year San Francisco Voters passed Prop E (with 54% of the vote) which partially amended their pursuit policy Prop. E gave SFPD the power to initiate pursuit of people accused of committing property crimes It also allowed for use of drones along with or instead of vehicular pursuits
Recommendations
Direct the Police Commission to review and potentially revise policies to develop a policy that balances public safety with safety for pedestrians and innocent bystanders Targeted completion and submission date: September 10, 2024 After September 10th, City Council with have time to review the recommended policy from the commission
Conclusion
Approving this item does not amend the pursuit policy
This allows for the Police Commission to conduct a thorough analysis of our current pursuit policies that balances public safety and the city’s commitment to responsive and responsible policing.