Yakima Police Revamp Pursuit Policy

In an effort to increase public safety the Yakima Police Department has revised its pursuit policy for officers. Lt. Chad Stevens says developing chase policies are one of the most important actions departments take to help protect innocent drivers and pedestrians. Stevens says the change made in department policy means officers are now charged with chasing only those most serious criminals.
"What we ask officers to do is weigh the offense against the risk to public safety." And that means only people who are wanted for serious felony crimes will be chased by officers in the Yakima Police Department. Previously the policy allowed officers to pursue criminals for a variety of crimes. Now the policy has been revamped to increase public safety.