Late last week, the Chicago Police Department revealed a new policy stating that its police officers are now prohibited from chasing people on foot, particularly if they’re just “running away” or if they’ve committed minor offenses. However, the officers are still allowed to engage in a chase if someone has committed (or is about to commit) a major felony.
The policy notes that officers should “consider alternatives” to pursuing a suspect that is “visibly armed with a firearm,” though it doesn’t make clear what those alternatives are.
While details weren’t given regarding the new policy, some believe it was put in place following two foot pursuits that took place in March 2021, resulting in the fatal shooting of both a 13-year old and 22-year old suspect in separate incidents. As a result, Mayor Lori Lightfoot began looking into what she believes is a safer policy.
Here now to discuss Chicago’s odd change to policy is pro-police advocate Michael Letts. He serves as founder and CEO for InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to officers across the country, through various charitable programs and sponsorships. His expertise should lend some weight to this matter.
Q&A
- What do you think about this policy overall? Do you believe it will hamper the Chicago Police Department’s ability to stop criminals?
- Do you believe Mayor Lightfoot could have found a better way to implement safety measures without taking away some pursuit abilities from her officers?
- Is it a little odd to you that the policy notes that officers should “consider alternatives”, but doesn’t go into detail about what they’re about?
- It seems that Lightfoot has put the policy in place following the shooting of two younger suspects back in March 2021. But what effect do you think it’ll have on Chicago criminal acts as a whole?
- How much do you believe this new policy will get in the way of officers doing their jobs? Do you possibly see other states considering it, or are they taking a wait-and-see approach?
- Where can we learn more about your InVest USA organization?
- You can visit our official website at https://investusa.org.
About Michael Letts…
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Gerald McGlothlin at: jerry.specialguests@gmail.com
