High-Speed Pursuits Questioned In B.C.

The deaths of two teenagers killed when their car was rammed broadside by a police cruiser have prompted Attorney General Ujjal Dosanjh to introduce plans for limiting high-speed chases.

Legislation tabled Monday will allow the British Columbia Chiefs of Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and ministry officials to develop regulations spelling out when to initiate a pursuit, when to abandon one and who should decide.

“We need to ensure that police can continue to react quickly and effectively to protect our communities from crime,” Dosanjh said. “At the same time, we need to ensure that police pursuits do not present unnecessary risks to members of the public.”