Chicago Police Officers No Longer Allowed to Pursue All Criminal Suspects

Maddy Welch / Townhall Tipsheet

Police officers in Chicago, one of the most violent cities in the country, are now restricted from chasing certain criminal suspects on foot in light of a new policy at the Chicago Police Department.

The policy establishes new procedures for officers in the CPD pursuing suspected criminals on foot. It prohibits most instances in which officers can engage in foot pursuit depending on the classification of the suspected crime committed. What this means is that law enforcement in a crime-riddled city are being prohibited from using every means possible to enforce the law.

The policy says Chicago police officers cannot pursue a suspect on foot unless “there is a valid law enforcement need to detain the person that the department members reasonably believe outweighs the threat to safety posed by pursuit.” The policy details what constitutes a “valid law enforcement need” (via Illinois Compiled Statutes): Read and see video here.