The Association of Trial Lawyers of America says federal officials have documented 5,306 deaths during police pursuits in the last 16 years. In the Lewis case, the officers just wanted to talk to two juveniles riding on a motorcycle. The International Association of Chiefs of Police has approved guidelines for when officers should break off a pursuit. Congress is considering a national standard for police pursuits, but that may not be welcome. Police activity is essentially a state responsibility.
Many police departments have their own guidelines to minimize risks to the public.
And law enforcement officials contend pursuits lead to far more arrests than accidents. A decision by the Supreme Court is expected by July. The case is County of Sacramento vs. Lewis, 96-1337. Correspondent Charles Bierbauer contributed to this report. Inc. All Rights Reserved.