Police Pursuit Policy

* Re “Suit Challenges Simi’s Police Pursuit Policy,” March 19.

I’m sorry that Shelley Padalecki was injured in the crash. It is a tragedy when any innocent person gets injured during a crime. However, the person solely responsible for this particular crash is the 14-year-old driving the stolen vehicle and evading the police. If this teen had just stolen Padalecki’s car or victimized her in any manner, you can rest assured that she would want the police to do their sworn job and catch him.

We live in an area where the media love to televise and sensationalize vehicle pursuits. Criminals refuse to yield to police officers in hopes of being on television and receiving their 15 minutes of fame.

Citizens wouldn’t think of telling their dentist how to pull a tooth or their doctor how to take out an appendix, yet they are always willing to give the police pointers on how to do their job. Well, it’s time for them to quit bellyaching and strap on a gun belt, pin on the badge and see for themselves how difficult the job honestly is.

Police officers can’t protect the public from criminals if they are not allowed to chase them and put them in jail.

Where do you draw the line? Whom do you blame when a police officer is in a foot pursuit of a murder suspect and during the chase the suspect turns and fires his gun at the cop but strikes and kills an innocent child a block away? Should we order the police to stop foot pursuits also?

Attorney Mark Hiepler is quoted in this article as stating that police should use other techniques such as spike strips, roadblocks and helicopters. Would he file another lawsuit if his tires were flattened, he was late to work due to a roadblock or a helicopter kept him awake late at night?

MIKE ASCOLESE

Van Nuys