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"You're going to be held accountable:" Milwaukee Police chief addresses spike in police chases

Posted at 10:11 PM, Apr 19, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-20 00:16:49-04

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee police have seen a surge in vehicle pursuits so far this year, with five times as many taking place compared to this time last year. 

According to police officials, MPD officers have conducted 253 pursuits so far this year, compared to just 51 at this point last year. 

The increase in chases correlates to a policy change last year, allowing officers to start a pursuit in cases of reckless driving or mobile drug dealing. 

In all last year, MPD averaged more than one chase every day. 

"What I'm happy about is that the crashes are going down," said Chief Alfonso Morales. "Our officers are doing it safely."

Morales says these chases are often targeting what he calls a "mobile drug market phenomenon."

"We are looking to make sure we send that message, it's very dangerous to flee," said Morales. "You're going to be held accountable."

According to a report released by the City of Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission, 369 vehicle pursuits took place last year, the highest its been since 2002. 

And of those, only 31 percent ended with someone in custody. 

"It's something that's necessary to address a problem that we see as very real," said MPD Assistant Chief Michael Brunson. 

Brunson says officers are weighing the risks and canceling pursuits when they get too dangerous. 

Last year, there were fewer injuries for innocent third parties, officers and suspects. 

"Some of the things we do are inherently dangerous," said Brunson. "Pursuits can be dangerous obviously, however we have to do them as safely as possible. It's always a balance that we try to meet."

People involved in pursuits are also getting younger. According to the report, ten years ago the average age of someone fleeing from police was 33. Last year, the average age was 18 and a half years old.