* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Conaway
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
Title
Independent Investigation - Police Pursuit Policy and Citizen Safety
FOR the purpose of urging the Superintendent of the Maryland State Police to independently investigate and review current administrative policies and procedures governing high speed responses to emergency calls and other police pursuits; and requesting the Police Superintendent report back to the Council regarding these issues.
Body
Recitals
In the City of Baltimore, there is a growing realization that high speed responses to emergency call as well as high speed pursuits present a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Many citizens are questioning the wisdom of allowing high speed chases and pursuits in urban areas, and are urging that tighter restrictions be placed on hot pursuits by the police. A number of experts are in accord with the public demand for greater restraint in police use of excessive speed when responding to an emergency.
Given the public's heightened concern about street and highway safety, there is a clear need to impose strong controls upon the operations of police vehicles in emergency responses and high speed pursuits if there is to be a reduction in the increasing number of injuries and deaths. Particularly in the case of "silent runs" or the non-use of a siren when responding to burglaries or crimes in progress, current regulations should be scrutinized and necessary adjustments in driving speed and other driving procedures should be prescribed.
A growing number of courts have shown an increased willingness to hold police officers liable for injuries or damages resulting from their high speed pursuits which fall below the level of skill, care, and diligence generally expected of police officers. Courts have also shown an increased willingness to extend liability to police supervisors and municipal governments when negligent actions of subordinates in high speed pursuits contribute to injuries or deaths to innocent citizens.
A well conceived, clearly defined and comprehensive set of departmental guidelines for pursuit driving, reinforced by training and supervision will reduce the risk involved in this inherently dangerous police activity. A comprehensive policy for pursuit will supply an important check against abuse of the police officer's privilege of using high speed to pursue a suspect or response to an emergency call.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That this Body urges the Superintendent of the Maryland State Police to independently investigate and review current administrative policies and procedures governing high speed responses to emergency calls and other police pursuits; and requesting the Police Superintendent to report back the Council regarding these issues.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Commissioner of the Baltimore City Police Department, the Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, the City Solicitor, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the Council.
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