Last night while walking to the pharmacy and Blockbuster a white expedition driving out of control nearly ran us and an Orlando police officer over. After filling out a report on the incident, I learned from the local police officers that the fleeing owner of the vehicle had just buglarized and robbed someone in my neighborhood. Yet the police had been ordered by Lt. Peterson to not pursue.
I later learned about the “no pursuit policy” which over the last 2 years has led to a remarkable increase in crime across Orlando as criminals can drive away from the scene of a crime knowing full well that OPD has a “no pursuit policy”. To make matters worse local news channels report such policies and alert criminals to their ability to flee and escape without repercussions.
The policy was originally created in the interest of other innocent pedestrians and drivers on the road to prevent them from dying or being hurt during police chases. Yet there surely must be some middle ground whereby law enforcement can pursue criminals but not endanger the general public. To withdraw from pursuing a criminal is equally jeopardizing to the safety of the general public and society.
If criminals are not punished they will keep committing crime.
Paul F Davis – international speaker, transformation coach, and author
www.PaulFDavis.com
RevivingNations@yahoo.com
