Car chases are the norm out west and no self-respecting urban news operation is without a chopper or two to track them from the air. Audiences love them, in part because everyone secretly hopes for a spectacular crash or shoot-out, Hollywood-style, to bring the action to a satisfactory conclusion.
Sometimes even the reporters do, too:
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damage and cost of car chase — $50,000
taxpayer cost of trial ——————$50,000
cost of 5 yr incarceration————$250,000
cost of 5 yr parole ——————–$125,000
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$475,000 = total cost of just this one episode by this idiot to taxpayers.
Helicopter Reporter just saying what everybody is thinking — PRICELESS
Whenever I see car chases I always think of how, if it is a stolen car, the crime effect the owner. The theives don't care about the vehicle. Since they know they are going to be arrested, many times they are just out to make it worse. They do not give a damn about the shmuck who is going to have to find a way to get to work the next day. As far as high speed chases go and the danger to citizens? Sorry, we live in nation of laws. Allowing criminal and thugs to just drive away is B.S.
In some instances, the criminal should be pursued. But in others–in the case of a non-violent crime, for instance, where the criminal can be apprehended later–there's no reason to risk innocent lives in a high speed chase.
Just another case of racial profiling. Nothing to see here. Thank goodness that no other drivers were hurt.
Although I don't really think the reporter was actually saying what he thought as part of the report, and it was one of those open mic issues, I do agree with his sentiment. Frankly, I think it is time to simply shoot these drivers and be done with it. No mess, no fuss, no trial. Just a hefty bag. And make their "estate" pay for the gas the helicoptor and the officers had to use to them down to kill them. Enough already.
That only works in a perfect world. Why is he running, what is he hiding? A body, drugs, does he have warrants? In that neighborhood, is he a citizen?
I have been involved in pursuits both as a primary and secondary unit. It is THE most dangerous thing law enforcement does. Dangerous and unpredictable. Seattle is experimenting with your solution of no chases with the very predicable result of a huge increase of vehicles speeding off rather than stopping. Many of these vehicles later crashed with no further police involvement because the person fleeing isn't going to slow down just because the officer didn't follow him. Often, the lights and sirens warn traffic as the officer and fleeing felon are approaching. Just to forestall a further arguement; lights and sirens in a marked patrol car are required by my agency for any officer to pursue another vehicle as primary (closest).
And in case you are wondering, the majority of people who flee are drunk. Yes, impaired enough to believe that committing a felony is better than being caught in a misdemeanor. Drunk drivers (potential killers) really irk me.
I want to agree, my emotions are going "hell yeah!" but it's just wrong. Which is weird because usually I am the one saying the thing everyone else is thinking but doesn't want to say, because it is mean. I don't get the love of car chases that people in the Peoples Republic of California and Arizona have. The thing is, the people do it because they get the attention, and they will keep doing it as long as people pay attention to it.
10 bucks says the driver was "undocumented".
I won't take THAT bet!
Good to know. Your comment gave me a lot to think about. The other stuff I've read on this issue presented the other side, but you make a pretty good case.
In Arizona 60-70 of car chases in the past few months have all been illegals, according to Sheriff of Pinal County.
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