The Victoria Police will undoubtedly promote increased driver training standards. However, the more fundamental questions about pursuits are being ignored. It is arguable that increased driver training will only result in more unnecessary and dangerous pursuits. Any improved training of officers must include strict directions as to the dangers of high speed pursuit and a general premise about the absolute priority of public safety. This should emphasise the use of alternative strategies to apprehend those driving stolen vehicles.
Police officers have an overriding discretion as to whether the circumstances warrant a pursuit.
For this reason their training should be far more comprehensive and should indeed focus on this issue. It is a decision which must be exercised by a mature and calm mind. The intake age for police officers is therefore cause for serious concern. It is interesting to note the results of a United States study examining young driver training and safety. The Federation of Community Legal Centres believes that increased or improved practical driver training skills would be unlikely to result in significantly less or safer pursuits.