Glenn E. Meyer
New member
New Policy Allows Police To Shoot At Fleeing Cars
Previously, Shots Could Only Be Fired At Cars Used To AttackCHICAGO (CBS)
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/police.deadly.force.2.1105766.html
The Chicago Police Department has instituted a major change in policy regarding the use of deadly force.
Effective next Monday, police officers will be able to fire their guns under circumstances where they previously could not.
The new policy, from police Supt. Jody Weis and confirmed by WBBM Newsradio 780 Wednesday morning, allows police officers to shoot at fleeing vehicles if the driver or passengers are suspected of committing a felony.
The old policy allowed officers only to shoot at vehicles that pose a threat to them or others, such as if the driver were trying to run down the officer.
But now, officers need not be under attack to open fire.
--- This seems contrary to TN. vs. Garner - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_v._Garner
The rationale is that fleeing from a felony is not a action punishable by death and without a definite risk - lethal force was inappropriate.
So, is Chicago clueless (quite possible)? Is this a reasonable change? Is an expansion of deadly force to fleeing appropriate - even felons have rights?
I would think it would in court in a flash if local rights organizations get in the action.
I would please like the discussion to avoid chest thumping, kill them all blather - can we stick to a L and CR analysis and not how you have blood lust.
GEM
Previously, Shots Could Only Be Fired At Cars Used To AttackCHICAGO (CBS)
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/police.deadly.force.2.1105766.html
The Chicago Police Department has instituted a major change in policy regarding the use of deadly force.
Effective next Monday, police officers will be able to fire their guns under circumstances where they previously could not.
The new policy, from police Supt. Jody Weis and confirmed by WBBM Newsradio 780 Wednesday morning, allows police officers to shoot at fleeing vehicles if the driver or passengers are suspected of committing a felony.
The old policy allowed officers only to shoot at vehicles that pose a threat to them or others, such as if the driver were trying to run down the officer.
But now, officers need not be under attack to open fire.
--- This seems contrary to TN. vs. Garner - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_v._Garner
The rationale is that fleeing from a felony is not a action punishable by death and without a definite risk - lethal force was inappropriate.
So, is Chicago clueless (quite possible)? Is this a reasonable change? Is an expansion of deadly force to fleeing appropriate - even felons have rights?
I would think it would in court in a flash if local rights organizations get in the action.
I would please like the discussion to avoid chest thumping, kill them all blather - can we stick to a L and CR analysis and not how you have blood lust.
GEM