Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell is pushing to change the regulations concerning high-speed police pursuits, specifically aiming to discard the Special Order 9212 mandate, which restricts officers from exceeding 50 mph during a chase without superior authorization. The proposal, highlighted in a letter sent to Oakland Police Commissioner Ricardo Garcia-Acosta last Monday, has garnered support and criticism in the community, according to KTVU.
At a recent Oakland Police Commission meeting, some community members backed the chief's recommendations while expressing that the changes were not extensive enough. In contrast, civil rights groups remained steadfast in their concerns about relinquishing supervisory control over high-speed chases, as per reports by The Oaklandside. While Chief Mitchell has the authority to alter the pursuit policy without commission or city council approval, he seeks input from various stakeholders over four months.
Mitchell's argument is based on the belief that national best practices and stakeholder discussions have guided these proposed revisions. As per The Oaklandside, he conveyed, "I understand that no policy, however expansive or restrictive, will fully satisfy all parties," emphasizing the inclusive approach he has adopted in formulating this recommendation.
