14 Oct 2009

Rules to be changed for police pursuits - minister

9:29 am on 14 October 2009

The Government says rule changes for police pursuits are on their way, as a new report questions the justification for such chases.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority is recommending police change their pursuit policy, after finding that most of the 137 chases it looked into began because of traffic violations.

Few of those led to the discovery of any serious crimes.

Police Minister Judith Collins told Morning Report that police absolutely accept the authority's findings. She said the force has made it clear changes will be coming through.

Ms Collins also said the force is also looking at how it can improve training on whether to enter or disengage on a pursuit.

137 chases reviewed

The IPCA reviewed 137 car chases since December 2003. It says most cases began over traffic violations and few uncovered evidence of serious crimes other than an offender's driving during a chase itself.

In the five years reviewed: 24 people died and 91 received serious injuries in police chases.