The fact that a hand gun and two rounds of ammunition were found in the stolen BMW that was carrying a few adult males and also the fact that there was a motorbike involved as well that assisted the criminals to evade police, suggests to me that this was more than "just" a stolen car.
You have made it very clear that you do not agree with police pursuing offenders, a viewpoint that no doubt some agree with and some don't.
But as Beerman said, those that aren't caught at the time are most likely getting away with at least drink drive or drug drive offences, but more than likely more serious offences too.
I mean, hello? Had police not pursued the stolen black BMW then no one would have known that there was a hand gun and ammunition inside the car.
Then the statistics would just show that as some joyriders who were harmless and felt like a ride in someone else's nice car.
Newsflash (as previously stated):
Offenders drive like idiots whether or not being pursued by police. Fact.
Offenders commit minor and major crimes whilst using motor vehicles. Fact.
Offenders injure and kill other road users whilst not being pursued by police. Fact.
If offenders know that there is a policy in place that precludes police from pursuing then they WILL do it more often and with impunity. Fact.
Many years ago W.A. introduced a policy that stops police officers from pursuing motor vehicles if the offenders turn off their lights (at night) or cross to the incorrect side of the road.
Guess what? (You don't have to be a Rhodes Scholar to work it out).
Nearly all offenders now turn off their lights and cross to the incorrect side of the road.
So an attempt to water down the pursuit guidelines has resulted in an even more dangerous situation for ALL road users.
Honestly Rusty, I think you need to stop viewing this topic with your rose-coloured glasses on and face reality.
I spent 31 years chasing and charging these offenders and I KNOW that if you back off and water down the policies then you make it both easier for the criminals to commit offences and more dangerous for everyone else on the road.
And not being a currently serving high ranking police officer (such as a Commissioner), I can say that without fear of contradicting anything our politicians might say, unlike some others............
Just sayin'.
