Wellford Mayor Sallie Peake Establishes No Chase Policy

[PatC]

Wellford, SC Mayor Stops Police Chases to Save $$ on Insurance (http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/local/article/mayors_memo_may_handcuff_police_officers/26918/)

Chris Cato
Published: September 18, 2009

Updated September 18, 2009

(Wellford, SC)—The Mayor of Wellford is defending her policy which bans police officers in that city from chasing suspects. Sallie Peake says the policy also includes vehicle chases along with pursuits on foot.

A memo issued on September 2nd from Peake to all Wellford officers reads:

“As of this date, there are to be no more foot chases when a suspect runs. I do not want anyone chasing after any suspects whatsoever.“

Watch video interview at above link.

[PatC]

Well, if I were one of the cops there, depending on the crime, of course, if I couldn't pursue on foot, I'd just shoot 'em.


:thumbsup:

[incidentally]

Well, if I were one of the cops there, depending on the crime, of course, if I couldn't pursue on foot, I'd just shoot 'em.


:thumbsup:

I guess that's one way to get around the no chase policy.

:w00t:

[Cornblossom]

Well, if I were one of the cops there, depending on the crime, of course, if I couldn't pursue on foot, I'd just shoot 'em.


:thumbsup:that's about the only alternative she's left them with. IMO

[desmom]

Now that is scary! :eek:

[Cornblossom]

Sooooooooooo...should someone kidnap her, the police couldn't chase them thru town to try and save her?

[GMTminus6]

No car chases can (almost) be justified. No foot chases is absurd.

[ExArkie]

No car chases can (almost) be justified. No foot chases is absurd.

Maybe most of the officers in Wellford are overweight and the Mayor doesn't want heart attacks!:huh:

[incidentally]

A poster at the link provided submitted the following:

"WELCOME TO WELLFORD, SPEED CHECKED BY RADAR" In fine print, (go as fast as you want cause all we can do is check it!)


:biggrin:

[Lady_Jean_La]

that's about the only alternative she's left them with. IMO
The police can carry cameras and take photos of them. imo

[withay]

I understand the "no car chases". Too many people are killed or severely injured in police chases when there is no "life or death" reason to chase them. My neighbor was severely injured two years ago when the police were chasing a man who had not stopped when the police turned on their lights and sirens after a man missed a stop sign. After a 10 mile chase, the original truck hit two other trucks injuring the other 2 drivers and causing his truck to catch fire. As it turned out, the driver (an elderly man) was having a diabetic attack. He died two weeks later from his injuries and the other two drivers were both severely injured. There was really no reason to chase him. They could have followed him until he stopped or until they could have stopped him without endangering others.
Now, the "no foot chases" doesn't make a lot of sense unless she is concerned that pedestrians may be injured if it is a city where lots of people walk....

[birdwatch]

I still think of the police officer who killed 2 young sisters by running thru a stop sign. But I think the Mayor is complaining about the her officers get while on foot chases. Maybe she should mandate some work-out programs and require her force get in shape to do their job. Her edict is just ridiculous. I am looking forward to some follow-up stories where citizens (probably teenagers0 try to make fools of the cops to test out this silly ruling.