Inspired by this thread, I was wondering if there were any statistics on how often a police car chase ends up with the suspect getting away. Of course, if you watch those “World’s Wackiest Police Chases” shows you get the impression that every chase ends up with a take down and that CRIME DOESN’T PAY. But is there any solid data on this? I know that at least some high-speed chases end because the police decide it’s just too dangerous to pursue.
And no, I’m not planning to use the date to calculate my odds next time I get lit up on the highway.
No statistics, but anecdotes after years of working with law enforcement as a prosecutor and defense attorney.
My answer, not many, and for three reasons:
First, police are trained to hunt in packs. They use communication systems to have back-up waiting and multiple sources to keep track of an eluder. When they do escape, it is usually by losing the car in the first 1-2 minutes of the chase. After that, when many officers are involved, it is much more rare.
Second, the police, generally, have better cars, equipment and training. Interceptor engines and nail strips help increase the odds in law enforcement’s favor. And they are trained in techniques to disable or stop a car (relatively) safely.
Third, cars have a number of identifying characteristics that make most escape attempts temporary at best. Stolen cars are a problem, but most people escape immediate arrest by stopping and running. THey leave behind volumes of identifying info in the car, and then run into an area where they are really well known or into an area where they are the stranger running through your backyard when all the neighbors are watching the cop parade. THey rarely get away for long.
I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but most of the time, in my experience, the police know who is driving the car before the suspect is even stopped.
