Using Key Terms And Concepts From The Textbook Reading

Using key terms and concepts from the textbook reading, answer the following questions in a balanced way. (Please do not hyperbolize or generalize.) (Reference should be made to all materials provided in this assignment. The purpose is that you have a balanced response).

Explain how police pursuits are both effective and dangerous. Provide one actual example of when a police pursuit would be justified. Provide one actual example of when a police pursuit was not justified and resulted in serious injury/death. Explain. REQUIRES 500 words. Use concrete examples/details and avoid generalities. Address all questions. Use proper grammar and punctuation. Do not plagiarize. USE ALL THE SOURCE PROVIDED TO WRITE THE PAPER AND MAKE SURE YOU CITE EVERYTHING. TEXTBOOK Title of book: Police & Society Year Published: 2020 Edition: 8th Author: Novak, Cordner, Smith, & Roberg Publisher: Oxford University Press ISBN.

Paper For Above instruction

Police pursuits, often depicted in media and scrutinized in law enforcement discussions, present a complex balance between their utility in apprehending suspects and the significant risks they pose to public safety. According to Novak et al. (2020), police pursuits can be effective tools in apprehending offenders who attempt to flee, thus fulfilling law enforcement's primary goal of maintaining order and enforcing the law. However, these pursuits are inherently dangerous, risking high-speed crashes and the potential for injury or death to civilians, officers, and suspects alike.

The effectiveness of police pursuits hinges on their ability to apprehend suspects swiftly, especially when those suspects are involved in serious crimes such as armed robbery or assault. As highlighted in the ABC News video (2015), police pursuits often result in catching offenders who might otherwise escape, thus preventing further harm. For example, in a justified pursuit, an officer might respond to a suspect fleeing after committing a violent crime such as a home invasion. Suppose law enforcement attempts to apprehend the suspect in a residential area; the pursuit, although risky, becomes necessary to prevent imminent threat or further injury. In such cases, the pursuit is justified because it directly addresses the immediate threat posed by the suspect’s ongoing criminal activity and aligns with law enforcement guidelines that endorse pursuits when public safety is prioritized and the suspect poses a danger.

On the other hand, pursuits often cross into dangerous territory when they are initiated without sufficient cause, or when the risks outweigh the benefits. The CBS report (2015) illustrates situations where pursuits have led to tragic outcomes—such as innocent bystanders being killed or seriously injured during high-speed chases. For instance, a pursuit not justified might involve a suspect who is wanted for a minor traffic violation, such as a speeding ticket or expired registration. If law enforcement chooses to initiate a high-speed chase over such a trivial offense, the risk to public safety becomes disproportionate to the benefit of apprehending the suspect. A notable case involved a pursuit that ended with a multi-vehicle crash, causing severe injuries to multiple innocent parties, including children. The pursuit was deemed unjustified because the criminal activity was minor, and the danger posed to bystanders was unjustifiable. As Novak et al. (2020) emphasize, pursuits should be carefully weighed to prevent tragic outcomes, especially when the suspect's alleged offense is minor.

In conclusion, police pursuits serve a vital role in law enforcement, providing the capability to apprehend suspects and prevent ongoing crimes, but they come with considerable risks. Justified pursuits, such as apprehending armed and violent offenders, can be lifesaving and necessary. Conversely, pursuits over minor infractions or when the danger to the public outweighs the benefit can lead to devastating consequences. Law enforcement agencies must therefore establish clear policies to evaluate when pursuits are appropriate, balancing the effectiveness in crime control with the obligation to protect public safety. As the media reports and academic literature reveal, careful judgment and adherence to pursuit policies are essential to minimizing harm while maximizing law enforcement effectiveness.

References

• ABC News. (2015, August 15). Car chases, one of the deadliest things police officers can do. [Video]. YouTube.
• CBS This Morning. (2015, July 31). Police chases leave trail of innocent victims [Video]. YouTube.
• Novak, J. L., Cordner, G., Smith, M. R., & Roberg, R. (2020). Police & Society (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.