Changes to police chase policy following significant increase in fleeing drivers

Police will change its fleeing driving policy next year following complaints from officers that they’re powerless to catch offenders.

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster made the announcement this morning.

Earlier this year, Police Association president Chris Cahill said the current policy had the unintended consequence of emboldening some offenders, especially youth.

Commissioner Coster said today “I want to be sure we provide the right settings to keep our communities and our people safe.

Changes to the policy were introduced nearly two years ago.

During this time we’ve seen a significant increase in fleeing driver events and a significant decrease in the proportion of offenders identified."

However, our data also shows a decrease in the number of people killed during fleeing driver events.”

Commissioner Coster said feedback on the revisions has been sought from Police staff as well as key partners including the Police Association, Independent Police Conduct Authority, and Children’s Commissioner.

“We know there is a desire for change and a perception that offenders are more brazen and more willing to take risks with their driving behaviour.

The revisions will bring us back to a more balanced position, while still prioritising the safety of officers and the public.”

The policy changes will introduce a Fleeing Driver Framework, which will provide clarity for staff on when a pursuit may be justified, including the weight given to the threat of further harm if the offenders are not apprehended immediately. More information will be released on this next year.

“We continue to work through details including implementing the amended policy and plans for staff training, with the framework expected to take effect before the middle of next year.

Fleeing driver events are volatile, unpredictable, and high risk to everyone involved. I want to thank our staff for the work they do every day to keep our communities safe, and for the consideration and decisions they make.”

Commissioner Coster said “I believe the coming revisions will achieve more balance, accepting that there is no perfect solution.

Drivers who choose not to pull over for Police when instructed put themselves, our staff, and the public at risk. The one thing that will always remain at the forefront of this policy is an acknowledgment of that risk, and that safety must always come first.”