A resolution to create a Task Force to review protocols and safety for officers involved in high-speed police pursuits was approved today by a Senate Committee. Port Allen Senator Caleb Kleinpeter says many law enforcement officers agree guidelines are needed to set policies for chases.
“I don’t have all the answers but what I do know is that I’ve spoken to a lot of law enforcement personnel and they are in support of this resolution because its getting out of hand.”
The resolution is in response to a high-speed chase on New Year’s Eve in West Baton Rouge parish where 42-year-old David Cauthron, an Addis Police Officer, ignored a red light and slammed into a vehicle killing 17-year-old Maggie Dunn and 16-year-old Caroline Gill and seriously injuring Maggie’s brother. The Republican lawmaker says there needs to be a determination of “is it worth a life?’.
“I understand there are policies and it was broken but was this chase worth the lives of two innocent young girls with a bright future.”
Task force members would include legislators, law enforcement representatives, a prosecutor, and a defense attorney.
In this particular case, officers were chasing a suspect who stole his father’s vehicle. Kleinpeter says the task force would produce guidelines on when a high-speed chase is appropriate.
“I don’t know if there is a tier system we need to implement as far as a murder suspect, armed robbery, rape, etcetera. What I don’t want to do is handcuff the police officers from doing their jobs and making it to where everyone runs as soon as the lights are turned on.”
Members of the Dunn and Gill family attended the meeting. The measure heads to the Senate Floor.
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