Supreme Court says its okay to chase!

Wouldn't it be nice that they update the chase policy....The Supreme Court agrees with the rest of us.


April 30, 2007 11:11 a.m. EDT

Supreme Court Protects Police in Car-Chase Suit

Associated Press April 30, 2007 11:11 a.m.

April 30, 2007 11:11 a.m.
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court on Monday gave police officers protection from lawsuits that result from high-speed car chases, ruling aggainst a Georgia teenager who was paralyzed after his car was run off the road.

In a case that turned on a video of the chase in suburban Atlanta, Justice Antonin Scalia said law-enforcement officers do not have to call off pursuit of a fleeing motorist when they reasonably expect that other people could be hurt.

Rather, officers can take measures to stop the car without putting themselves at risk of civil rights lawsuits.

A police officer's attempt to terminate a dangerous high-speed car chase that threatens the lives of innocent bystanders does not violate the Fourth Amendment, even when it places the fleeing motorist at risk of serious injury or death, Justice Scalia said.

The court sided 8-1 with former Coweta County sheriff's deputy Timothy Scott, who rammed a fleeing black Cadillac on a two-lane, rain-slicked road in March 2001.

Victor Harris, the 19-year-old driver of the Cadillac, lost control and his car ended up at the bottom of an embankment. Mr. Harris, paralyzed, sued Mr. Scott.

Lower federal courts ruled the lawsuit could proceed, but the Supreme Court said Monday that it could not. Justice John Paul Stevens dissented.

In an unusual move, the court posted the dramatic video on its Web site.

The case is Scott v. Harris.

Copyright © 2007 Associated Press

Jim Preston, State President


Scott v. Harris.
Copyright © 2007 Associated Press

Jim Preston, State President

Sounds like they are not hanging the cop or the department out to dry due to the PIT or ram maneuver that was used to disable the suspects car.

As long as you are chasing someone you believe has committed an aggrevated felony and is a danger to the community if you let him / her go the chase is on.

This article doesn't give a green light to chase red light runners.

Here is the video of the chase

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2903361

Listen,if you want to keep your job and STAY OUT OF JAIL,DONT CHASE ANYONE,PERIOD! UNLESS A COP HAS BEEN SHOT,ADVISE AND LET THE A$$ HOLES ,WHO ARE IN COMMAND,LIKE LT.OLIVA DECIDE!

What have we become. Why should we not chase? Are we cops or little kids. We do a job that requires a man but now because of DO's we do it with one arm behind are back! That is why criminals here do what they want. If the Supreme Court states we can chase with out being sued then why not! I have friend that works in a department that can chase and when there criminals flee they get caught before they can hurt anyone else. It is simple are job requires us to be able to catch people that break the LAW it is that simple. They should change the DO's so we at least can do are job without such harsh restrictions set. I do get tired of having to let a 22 go because we can't chase it! It just SUCKS! What do you think the criminals do when they are in a stolen car? Run and run like hell becuase the cops are not allowed to chase. We are just PSA's with guns how sad. I will take the pay increase!

Why chase?Follow the Bible according to St. T-Money, that way you are assured a great pension and a worry free retirement, your family will also get to enjoy more time with you. Let the heroes go to court get sued and get the ulcers. I have seen this all before and in the end, the cop allways gets nailed by the public or the administration. Follow the rules, use the system to protect yourselves and the financial health of your family you wont regret it in the end. Just look around to the other components of the Criminal Justice system you dont see them arresting judges,Prosecutors, Public defenders and private attorneys for doing their jobs, so why should we. By following rules set forth by the administration we can not only protect ourselves, but our families. Be safe.

The Rafter is the bomb,,, BEST REPLY EVER IN THIS FORUM!! QUE DIOS TE BENDIGA..ALL YOU HEROS BETTER TAKE HEED OR GO TO WASTE!!
DO ONLY AS ST.TMONEY DEMANDS AND YOU WILL GET TO ENJOY YOUR RETIREMENT,OUTSIDE OF JAIL OR THE H.A.C.!!!

No they did not! What the Supreme Court codified with this decision is that police CAN take affirmative action that is ram the fleeing vehicle, to terminate the chase and apprehend to offender(s). This, as most of you know, is a seizure within the intent, letter and spirit of the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments. It's a use of force! In our jurisdiction, and most of Florida, since the 1992 Brown v City of Pinellas Park, it is a requirement for the catalyst offense to be a Forcible Felony, and that makes sense.

When you chase an offender, not only are you putting your life in peril but that of innocent bystanders, including fellow officers. Let us reserve such a dicey operation for the worst of the worst!

Remember the first rule of law enforcement: Make sure you go home at the end of your tour!

God bless!

your a ***** if you are of the mentality of not chasing just ask isador ra

your a . if you are of the mentality of not chasing just ask isador ra

Your career and life, yours to risk!

Listen,if you want to keep your job and STAY OUT OF JAIL,DONT CHASE ANYONE,PERIOD! UNLESS A COP HAS BEEN SHOT,ADVISE AND LET THE A$$ HOLES ,WHO ARE IN COMMAND,LIKE LT.OLIVA DECIDE!

The only C.O. that has had the balls to order a chase and take responsibility is Lt.Llodra. I HAVE HEARD IT MYSELF OVER THE AIR FIRST HAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i'lkh'oiho'gougo

is it worth chasing somebody for something petty and they mow down an innocent family? Or an officer getting killed in a crash because he was chasing someone?

I think not.

Javi you're young and stupid, grow up a little bit. If you don't catch them today, you can catch them tomorrow.

Will somebody tell the wings to stop the illeagle chases already.