Candor Trust Media Release

Boys and racers don't deserve death

Following another senseless death of a young driver "killed by the graduated driver license system, and frivolous use of pursuit powers to hunt down one of a million condition breachers" Candor Trust renews calls for a chase policy review.

"It's an outrage that approaching three percent of our toll appears to be chase
related - minorities and youth suffer disproportionately here in Wild West NZ".

If the Commissioner of Police turns a blind eye, this is destined to be an increasing trend given the bulging youth demographic, especially among Maori.

Several U.S states have disallowed pursuits for car theft, identified offenders
and minor traffic offences like speed creep and reduced tolls accordingly.

All with no statistically significant increase in "runners" or non resolved crime statistics. Serious crime like potentially violent dangerous driving is decreased overall.

Half of pursuits involve drug or drink driving which is dicey, but the excess use of checkpoints in NZ triggers many chases over minor matters like GDLS infractions.

Toronto's restrictive policy resulted in a grand total of zero chase related
injuries or deaths inflicted on offenders, Police or third parties from chases
last year.

"Police chases create anarchy and should only ever occur as a last resort -
when the danger of ham from an offender is high and imminent", say Candor.

Over eighty percent of chases are shown to be triggered by minor infractions. Studies show that once someone has begun a runner they are highly unlikely to find flashing lights a compelling reason to pull over.

It's gaining acceptance that pursuits at speed usually should not occur when offenders are young, identified or can be caught up with later via number plate capture.

There is a strong body of research Internationally to show that most chases once initiated are likely to turn a benign situation highly dangerous.

People are being encouraged by "the powers that be" to believe more restrictive chase policies would produce anarchy, but statistics prove that the reverse is true.

It's becoming abundantly clear the best Policing research is not consulted and evidence based practice on the road reainds a far away dream.

Increased checkpoints and enforcement when they're not backed by sufficient
training, or up to date chase policies to hedge against that has major downsides.

"It is only a matter of time before a chase brings about a major multi fatality
or multi vehicle crash. Chances are that it will feature a carload of fifteen year olds".

The Trust can't understand why there are 2000 chases yearly given we don't have masses of bank robbers trying desperately to cross state lines.

Again the Trust appeals to the Police Commissioner to review policy and look at Police's share of the responsibility pie in continuing this heartbreaking
trend. That a third of chase victims are innocent bystanders needs recognising.

This debate is important to the future of road safety and cuts to the heart of how we perceive the polices role. Is it about Public safety at the end of the day, or is it about chalking up another conviction in the fastest time possible?

New Zealand should also look to recent developments in the UK if we aren't already. Roads in Britain now feature over 1000 ANPR - Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras.

This cost effective technology has made the question of "to chase or not to chase" redundant for the most part. And it has potential to reduce dangerous intersection infringements, speed differentials and disqualified driving offences.

If NZ Police give a toss about road safety they will stop stonewalling and consult the community about chase policy. They will do so as a priority before yet another soon forgotten kid is randomly maimed or killed.

ENDS

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