March 24, 2000

Several recent cases of high-speed pursuits by police of fleeing suspects have put innocent motorists in harm's way, and caused police agencies to rethink their policies.

The Utah Highway Patrol says whether to chase or not is often a split-second decision, and troopers are trained to weigh all of the risks. News Specialist Scott Light reports.

We hear of police pursuits that wind through neighborhoods, zip along the highway or even at cruising speeds on downtown streets. Often times, the public thinks of a pursuit situation as who's got the fastest car. But the factors involved are as numerous as the kinds of cars on the road itself.

We've seen what can happen when police pursuits end in banged up vehicles and sometimes injuries to the people involved.

But what's not seen is the training, thinking and split second decision making on the part of officers, whether it's high speed or not.

Sgt. Steve Myer/Utah Highway Patrol: "WE'VE GOT FEW SECONDS TO DECIDE IN OUR MINDS HOW TO DEAL WITH A SITUATION."

And it's Sgt. Steve Myer's job to train UHP troopers on those situations.

The news often shows the end result of a pursuit such as a suspect in custody. But before a pursuit even takes place, officers have to evaluate their location.. are they on an interstate or in a school zone?

The time of day.. and whether it's a heavy traffic time. Who they're pursuing-- is it someone with a busted headlight or an armed robbery suspect?

Plus, what's the danger involved to the officer, the suspect and the motoring public? On top of all these factors, the number one priority is summed up with one word.

"SAFETY."

Whether it's new officers or 20-year veterans, all troopers have to come to the driving range once a year.

"BASICALLY THIS IS TEACHING OFFICERS TO STAY IN CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLE WHETHER THEY'RE DOING THE SPEED LIMIT OR ON A PURSUIT RUN."

Driving conditions also dictate safe driving or safe pursuing. Officers also test their skills on a wet test track.

"SEATBELTS.. HEADLIGHTS ON."

That's where I got behind the wheel. Even in a car with a souped up suspension and anti-lock brakes, wet pavement doesn't care. As Sgt Myer put it, any vehicle can get 'squirrley' or out of control in a hurry.

"THAT GOT SQUIRRLEY REAL QUICK."

UHP estimates troopers are involved in about 100 pursuits a year. That's not considered a high number.

By the way, that testing ground near Camp Williams is considered one of the best in the nation.