There has been an ongoing national debate on when law enforcement should seek to capture high speed evaders. Many departments have adopted restrictive policies that prevent officers from engaging in pursuits.

Here is one result:

Dallas County commissioners have approved a $350,000 settlement after a constable followed policy and did not chase a man before he drowned his two sons.

Details.

Damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

Two kids are "kidnapped", and nothing is done, because of policy. Had this deputy constable pursued this guy, and saved those kids, she would have been a hero. She also would have probably lost her job. In our "by the book" world, there is no room for independent judgment.

Contrast this case with the hypothetical of a 16 year old who gets scared that he will lose his license if he pulls over, so he tears off when an officer lights him up. The officer doesn't know who the driver is, or if he or she has a scared kid or a mass murderer fleeing. To chase this kid may end up with crashes, injuries and death. The kid should probably be given some leash, and a stop set up ahead. But, then again, how can you be sure?

Bottom line, you remove all discretion either way and you have trouble. Mistakes will be made. As long as an officer is not negligent, he or she needs to be given some room for well considered judgment. It all will come down to training and experience.

Unfortunately, the mistakes of one often result in the punishment of the many, by excess regulation and strictures on judgment. Computers can't catch crooks, and even the most dedicated officers are subject to mistake.

Those who complain about the police are usually the loudest to scream for their help. One day, no one will want the job that we would want doing the job.