YPD pursuits up slightly in ‘16

February 6, 2017 at 12:05a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

For the second year in a row, the number of pursuits in the police department has increased.

In 2016 the department engaged in 80 vehicle pursuits, up from 67 in 2015 and 44 in 2014.

Staff Inspector Lt. Brian Butler and Chief Robin Lees both attributed the rise in pursuits to the same reason the department seized more guns in 2016: newer, younger hires who are more proactive when on patrol.

The majority of pursuits in 2016 happened on midnight turn, when 34 vehicles were chased. The highest frequency of chases occurred on the South Side, with 65 percent of chases on that side of town, according to department statistics.

Under the department’s pursuit policy, officers can pursue a vehicle if they think the driver or occupants are wanted on a felony, if a vehicle has been stolen or if the driver has committed a misdemeanor witnessed by the officer.

Factors to engage in a chase include the seriousness of the offense; traffic, road and weather conditions; the safety of others; or the chance to arrest the person at a later date. The officer must notify the 911 center immediately when a chase begins and give the location and speed and frequently update those. Another cruiser then will be assigned to follow the first cruiser and will take over calling out the location and speeds of the pursuit. That second car will be assigned by the supervisor for that beat.

Officers also are to stay on their assigned beats if they hear a chase on the air that is not on their beat.

Officers also fill out a report at the end of any chase. Supervisors for that shift are responsible for monitoring radio traffic and calling off a pursuit if they think that is required.

In 2016, supervisors terminated 12 chases, and overall 19 chases were terminated, the remainder by the officers engaged in the pursuit.

Butler said the number of pursuits is increasing because officers are engaging in more traffic stops.

“The more cars they stop, the more they are increasing their exposure to pursuits,” Butler said. “The pursuits are always a balancing act.”

Lees said the rising number of pursuits is also tied to the seizure of more guns in 2016 by police because officers on the road are being more proactive and initiating more traffic stops.

“It’s that pro-activity that’s making the streets safer,” Lees said.