Oakland PD Pursuit Policy Comes Under Scrutiny: Report

OAKLAND, CA — Oakland's police chief announced that he wants to loosen rules around police car chases in the city at a Thursday night meeting, according to multiple reports.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has been urging the city of Oakland to update its police department's pursuit policy to crack down on crime. Newsom has also threatened to dismantle the department's partnership with the California Highway Patrol if the city doesn't take action, ABC7 reported.

"We're at a point — an inflection point in terms of the state's support. This commitment from the state can't continue unless we see commencement changes," Newsom said in December, ABC7 reported.

Chief Floyd Mitchel agreed with the governor at a Thursday night town hall, where he laid out a proposal to widen the net for car chases and increase the speed at which officers can pursue crime suspects. Current policy says that police cannot chase non-violent suspects. Officers also cannot travel above 50 miles per hour.

If Mitchel's plan is approved by the city, officers would be able to chase suspected burglars and those participating in sideshows.

Some residents in attendance, however, were not in favor of changing the 11-year-old policy.

"It may feel better to feel like you can chase the bad guys, it's dangerous for people who live in the city, it's dangerous for the city's budget."

Read more from ABC7 News: Oakland PD chief proposes changes to pursuit policy after Newsom threatens to yank CHP help