Terry Goldsworthy writes in The Conversation (24.1.17) about the regulations around police vehicles pursuing offenders on the roads, in light of the recent fatal incident in Melbourne’s CBD.
‘The carnage in Melbourne’s CBD on Friday, in which five pedestrians died after being hit by a vehicle driven by a wanted offender, has again highlighted the issue of police pursuits.
‘Any policy governing police pursuits must balance the need to apprehend offenders with community safety. So what is the appropriate balance? And have Australian jurisdictions got it right?
‘While Victoria Police’s actions in last week’s events will be examined, the aim should not be to lay blame, but rather improve the tools police have at their disposal to deal with highly fluid and dangerous events. After all, policing is not an easy job.’