New rules on high-speed pursuits in Snohomish County could allow suspects to get away
Feb 1, 2016, 7:56 AM | Updated: 9:57 am
The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office said high-speed pursuits will be cut in half after an uptick in patrol car collisions. (KIRO 7)
(KIRO 7)
The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office said high-speed pursuits will be cut in half after an uptick in patrol car collisions.
The policy change goes into effect Monday and deputies will start letting some suspects get away to protect the public.
Changes include:
• No joining pursuits in other jurisdictions without supervisor approval
• No calling off a pursuit and then continuing to follow the suspect
• No chases for misdemeanor crimes and traffic infractions, except DUI
• No chasing wrong-way vehicles
• Pursuits must be ended if a deputy crashes, regardless if there’s only minor damage to the patrol car
Nearly three years ago Rachael Kamin, a 40-year-old wife, mother and nurse, was killed in downtown Everett after a stolen pickup being pursued by an officer struck her vehicle at an intersection. A Bothell police officer had been pursuing the suspect for 18 miles.
Related: Here’s a way to gauge whether Seattle police are being proactive
Last week, Kamin’s family won $3 million in a settlement with the City of Bothell. Kamin is not the only bystander who was killed in police pursuits in Snohomish County. At least five others have been killed in the last three years.
Kamin’s family told KIRO 7 that a stolen car isn’t a serious enough crime to warrant a chase.
“I feel very strongly that the loss of property is not enough to justify such a lengthy police pursuit,” said Kamin’s sister Misty Sibly.
Many of the cities in Snohomish County already have strict policies in place.
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