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Atlanta City Leaders Propose Changes to Police Pursuit Policies

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News Summary

Atlanta city officials are preparing to vote on a resolution that aims to amend the Georgia State Patrol’s pursuit policies due to increased fatalities linked to police chases. The proposed changes include limiting high-speed pursuits, requiring supervisory approval for ongoing chases, and prioritizing public safety. Historical data highlights the dangers of current policies, which have led to numerous innocent bystander deaths. Community advocates support the resolution, emphasizing improved safety protocols rather than questioning police practices.

Atlanta city leaders are set to vote on a resolution aimed at changing the pursuit policies of the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) amidst rising fatalities linked to police chases. This resolution, which is scheduled for discussion during the council meeting on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall in downtown Atlanta, seeks to enhance public safety and significantly reduce the number of deaths associated with these incidents.

The Atlanta City Council recognizes that while they cannot enforce modifications to state policies, they aim to deliver a powerful symbolic message advocating for changes that prioritize public safety. The proposed adjustments to GSP pursuit policies include restricting police chases in high-density areas of Atlanta, requiring supervisory approval before initiating or continuing a pursuit, and limiting high-speed pursuits to situations involving violent felony offenses only. Additionally, the resolution calls on Atlanta police to re-evaluate their procedures for assisting with pursuits initiated by GSP.

Historical data from the U.S. Department of Transportation sheds light on the severity of the issue, revealing that from 2001 to 2021, 36% of deadly pursuits nationwide resulted in the death of an innocent bystander. Recent tragedies in Atlanta highlight the need for policy reform. Notable cases include the deaths of 19-year-old Cooper Schoenke, who was struck by a car during a GSP pursuit, 26-year-old Richard Wells, who died following a chase sparked by a Chick-Fil-A robbery, and 43-year-old Tamara Taylor, who was killed when a driver fleeing from GSP ran a red light.

Advocates of the resolution, including community members and families affected by pursuit-related fatalities, emphasize that the push for change is not an indictment of police practices but rather a call to improve public safety. They argue that current GSP policies contribute to unnecessary tragedies and that advancements in technology should offer alternatives for apprehending suspects without posing a risk to innocent lives.

Devin Barrington-Ward, a spokesman for the National Police Accountability Project, explained that this movement seeks to reassess the protocols surrounding police pursuits while focusing on public safety above all. According to statistics presented at the council meeting, Georgia reports the highest rate of police pursuit fatalities in the United States, with over 6,700 pursuits recorded in a five-year span leading to approximately 1,900 injuries and a total of 63 deaths.

The council’s sponsorship of the resolution by member Liliana Bakhtiari underscores a strong desire for increased oversight regarding GSP’s pursuit policies. The meeting aims to not only address the urgency of the situation but also reflects the frustrations voiced by local residents, many of whom have experienced the impact of pursuit-related incidents firsthand. Discussions during the meeting are likely to revolve around possible solutions that leverage technological advancements to ensure effective law enforcement without compromising public safety.

As the council prepares to cast their votes, the anticipation surrounding the meeting reflects a broader concern within the community for improved protocols concerning police chases. Supporters of the resolution continue to advocate for these necessary changes that could potentially save lives and foster a safer environment for all citizens in Atlanta.