The Chicago Police Department unveiled the final version of its foot-pursuit policy Tuesday.
The Chicago Police Department unveiled the final version of its new foot-pursuit policy Tuesday, in the making for over a year since Mayor Lori Lightfoot and activists called for such rules following the back-to-back fatal police shootings of two young people who were chased by officers.
All officers will receive e-learning training on the new policy, and it will also be built into the department’s in-person 40 hours of mandatory training, according to police leaders.At an unrelated news conference, Lightfoot said foot pursuits are among the most dangerous tasks undertaken by officers and that the new policy is important to get right so officers can pursue dangerous offenders safely.
Boik said the final policy includes roles for watch-operation lieutenants to review pursuits when an arrest or use of force has occurred. The tactical review and evaluation division, which since its creation has reviewed all use of force incidents, will now review every foot pursuit. Officers will also have to fill out a form after they are involved in a foot pursuit, which is aimed to improve data collection.
“The policy also doesn’t really limit foot pursuits to the most serious suspected crimes,” she said. “Foot pursuits are so dangerous to members of the public, the person being chased and the officer that they should be limited to the most serious crimes.”Block said the Police Department also did a poor job communicating with those who gave suggestions and didn’t explain why it adopted some suggestions over others.