89 Mile Pursuit in Milwaukee

I don’t even have words. The total insanity of numerous police dangerously chasing for EIGHTY-NINE MILES is simply unimaginable. And how the officers in this video attempted to (INCORRECTLY) deploy stop sticks show how little or none) training they have. The fact no officer or citizen was killed is a miracle. https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/89-mile-milwaukee-police-chase-exposes-deficiencies-with-stop-sticks-we-need-better-training-with-this 89-mile Milwaukee police chase

Washington State – A Decision That Will Kill and Injure Innocent Citizens

More bad decisions… Heywood testifies and tense exchanges at hearing on police pursuit initiative BY: JERRY CORNFIELD FEBRUARY 28, 2024 Only eight people spoke in the one-hour hearing as Democrats pushed back on supporters’ claims that Initiative 2113 will increase public safety and reduce crime.   State lawmakers embarked Wednesday to give police in Washington

San Francisco Chronicle’s AMAZINGLY DETAILED Police Pursuit Series and Expose

In February of 2024, after more than a year of exhaustive research and data mining, San Francisco Chronicle staff Jennifer Gollan and Susie Neilson‘s police pursuit investigative series was published. This is by far the most comprehensive national police pursuit series completed since the 2015 USA Today stories. Jonathan Farris, Chief Advocate for Pursuit For

City report shows 1 in 5 Milwaukee police chases result in crashes

A recently released Milwaukee police pursuit study sheds light on some alarming trends in chases. By Ben Jordan, TMJ4 News Pleased to have worked with Ben on this story… City report shows 1 in 5 Milwaukee police chases result in crashes MILWAUKEE — A recently released Milwaukee police pursuit study sheds light on some alarming

Monona’s police pursuit policy is perilous, says father who lost son

OpEd in the Wisconsin State Journal, Sunday 3/3/2024 https://madison.com/opinion/column/mononas-police-pursuit-policy-is-perilous-says-father-who-lost-son/article_faba8318-d50c-11ee-bd92-cbcbe24829a5.html Monona’s police pursuit policy is perilous, says father who lost son As a father who lost his 23-year-old son in a crash caused by a driver fleeing police, I disagree with Monona Acting-Mayor Doug Wood’s recent column, “Monona’s policy for police pursuits is appropriate.” Wood’s arguments

BAD OUTCOMES 2: Monona continues down a dangerous path

A few weeks ago we wrote about some truly poor decisions made by the Monona City Council (MCC) and the Monona Police Department (MOPD). You can read that article here:  BAD OUTCOMES: Monona’s Poor Decision to Weaken Police Pursuit Policy in 2022 Results in Unnecessary Deaths We sincerely hoped, after the still-unexplained pursuit that killed three people,

RECKLESS PURSUITS – Kansas City Star 2024 Series

I’ve had the honor of working with reporter Katie Moore at the Kansas City Star over the past several months. She and Glenn Rice have published the first in a series of eight, relating to out of control police chases in the Kansas City metro area.  This particular article is truly EXCELLENT.  Great detail, heartfelt,

BAD OUTCOMES: Monona’s Poor Decision to Weaken Police Pursuit Policy in 2022 Results in Unnecessary Deaths

by Jon Farris, Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change BAD OUTCOMES: Monona’s Poor Decision to Weaken Police Pursuit Policy in 2022 Results in Unnecessary Deaths During the past several weeks, police chases in Monona have taken an even more horrible and deadly turn. READ MORE HERE But this should not be unexpected. “In November 2022, the

Houston Chronicle Police Pursuit Investigative Series – 2023

For many months I’ve been working with ANDREA BALL, an investigative reporter at the Houston Chronicle. She and other HC staff have done / and continue to dig into Houston’s HORRIBLE #PoliceChase actions and outcomes. This has turned into a multi-part series which YOU REALLY NEED TO READ – their findings are amazing and frightening.

2023. Seventeen Birthdays

November 2, 2023 17 Birthdays Here we go again. Another year, another birthday.  Had Paul lived he’d be celebrating his 40th birthday today.  Today is the 17th missed birthday since his death as an innocent in a #PoliceChase. This year he’d have so many thoughts on what’s happening around the world. In 2006 Paul traveled with

Sometimes Screams Are Heard

Sometimes screams aren’t heard. I suspect that was the case when I received a call at 4:00 AM telling me my son Paul had been killed in a car crash. That was on May 27, 2007, a lifetime ago. And when, shortly later, I learned that his death was caused because of a totally unnecessary,

Milwaukee Police Department’s in the News – and not in a good way.

And the beat goes on… Police chases in Milwaukee surge in recent years I truly appreciate Jonah’s comments in this email: On Aug 2, 2023, at 6:20 AM, Jonah wrote: Hi Jonathan, As promised, here’s a link to the story:  Thank you again for agreeing to chat with me for the story, your expertise and

Sixteen Years. May 27, 2023

16 Years by Jon Farris 16 YEARS.  192 MONTHS.  5,843 DAYS.  140,253 HOURS.  8,415,187 MINUTES.  504,911,220 SECONDS It simply doesn’t matter how you measure it. May 27, 2023 is the 16th anniversary of Paul Farris‘ and Walid Chahine’s deaths, and my heart has never been the same. They were killed by a man fleeing police

More and More Innocent Victims – 2023 in LA

More and More Innocent Victims – 2023 in LA Below is yet another story about the death of an innocent driver, a 19-year old man. It’s pretty simple – he did not deserve to die. What’s not simple is the issue of “necessary” pursuits, because sometimes there are not available options to stop violent felons.

Are YOU Ready To Help Save Lives?

December 1, 2022:  Jon Farris, Chief Advocate of Pursuit For Change, writes about a technology crowdfunding pledge opportunity. Please take a moment to learn about an opportunity that will most certainly lead to fewer policy-pursuit related injuries and deaths.   Dear friends, During the past 15+ years, since the death of my son Paul, I

16 Missed Birthdays

16 Missed Birthdays By Jon Farris – Paul Farris’ dad and Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change   Every year on November 2nd I post a note in remembrance of my son, Paul, about the birthday celebrations we’ve missed since his senseless death. This will be the 16th one. It’s easy for me to remember Paul

‘How many people have to lose their lives?’

I could not have said this any better. Jennifer Myrick, the mother of Alecia Garcia who was killed in a #PoliceChase, speaks out about police-pursuit policies. Our hearts go out to her for the loss of her daughter ‘How many people have to lose their lives?’ Crash victim’s mother speaks out by: Trae Harris Posted:

Man Arrested for Police Pursuit after $20 Walmart Theft

                There is simply NO REASON for law enforcement to be elevating a Walmart theft into a DANGEROUS POLICE PURSUIT the endangers so many innocent citizens.   Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved with this situation. Thankfully and luckily, no bystanders were injured or killed. Law enforcement agencies

Dangerous rush-hour police crash raises concerns (Fox31 Colorado)

Dangerous rush-hour police crash raises concerns   Jon Farris, Chief Advocate at Pursuit for Change, is asked about this very dangerous #PoliceChase and unsuccessful PIT maneuver.  As we told Mr. Arenas, based upon the information available the pitting of this suspect in traffic represented an extreme danger for everyone driving nearby. It is very lucky

The 15th Year

May 27, 2022 is 15 years. It still hurts so very much.

Pursuit policy questioned after deaths in I-25 crash

“Jonathan Farris, an advocate for the nonprofit Pursuit for Change, an organization that pushes for safer police pursuit policies, called the Santa Fe Police Department’s chase policy vague and said it doesn’t give much direction for when an officer should give up on a pursuit.” Pursuit policy questioned after deaths in I-25 crash By Sean

Cost of the chase: An examination of police pursuits

An excellent article focusing on pursuits, law enforcement’s actions, and the death of yet another innocent victim. Cost of the chase: An examination of police pursuits by: Jeff Keeling, Ashley Sharp Posted: Feb 23, 2022 / 04:32 PM EST Updated: Feb 23, 2022 / 04:37 PM EST JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Just after midnight

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2021

Please visit https://insurancerescue.com/holiday-cards/ to see our previous year holiday cards. 2021 Holiday Greetings from the Farris family, our companies and our advocacy Original photograph by Jon Farris Photo taken somewhere in the Wisconsin countryside

Trooper was traveling 100+ mph before slamming into car

November 08, 2021 at 11:07 pm EST By Ted Daniel, Boston 25 News @tvnewzted @Boston25 Note from PFC: At 101 miles per hour the Trooper’s SUV was traveling more than 148 feet per second and can cover a half mile in just 20 seconds.  Innocent victim Sarah Stevens should never have been put in this

November 2, 2021

November 2, 2021 Fifteen Birthdays Last year I posted a note about Paul’s birthday. It’s so hard to believe that another year has passed us by.  I thought, given the world’s issues, I’d post an updated version of that note. Peace.  – Jonathan Farris, Dad, Gatekeeper of PaulFarris.org and Chief Advocate of Pursuit For Change

Atlanta City Council To Consider Pursuit Policy Changes

So so many heartbreaking stories. City Council committee to consider police pursuit changes HAYLEY MASON UPDATED 14 HRS AGO | POSTED ON JUN 28, 2021 ATLANTA (CBS46) — Joi and Doug Partridge will never forget the day they lost their two children Cameron and Layla, and Joi’s mother, Dorothy Wright. Wright was driving her grandchildren

2021 UPDATE: Milwaukee’s 2017 Incredibly Stupid Decision to Dramatically Increase Dangerous Pursuits Continues to Kill and Maim Innocent Citizens

2021 UPDATE: Milwaukee’s 2017 Incredibly Stupid Decision to Dramatically Increase Dangerous Pursuits Continues to Kill and Maim Innocent Citizens by Jon Farris Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change Let me say this AGAIN. Milwaukee’s 2017 Incredibly Stupid Decision to Dramatically Increase Dangerous Pursuits Continues to Kill and Maim Innocent Citizens. Please see Elliot Hughes (@ElliotHughes12) Journal-Sentinel

Oklahoma City family questions police pursuit that killed innocent pregnant mom Star Shells

Oklahoma City family questions police pursuit that killed pregnant mom Star Shells by Josh Dulaney, The Oklahoman She kept the burial flag of her grandfather, a U.S. Army veteran, in her car window, and it was that flag, in pieces and scattered on the northeast Oklahoma City street, that signified Star Shells was dead. Shells’

Chicago: Police vehicle chases end in crashes two-thirds of the time, according to hacked emails

Chicago: Police vehicle chases end in crashes two-thirds of the time By Sharon Hoyer May 17, 2021 In March, @StreetsblogChi took a look at police vehicle chases and the Chicago Police Department’s policy that asks officers to apply an in-the-moment, mental “balancing test” to weigh the necessity of immediately apprehending a suspect against the inherent

Drivers Are Dying In Chicago Because Cops Treat Car Chases Like Demolition Derbies

A story in @Jalopnik by José Rodríguez Jr. @jrodriguezjr 5/14/21 2:25PM The Chicago Sun-Times recently wrote about how bad car crashes have gotten in Chicago, Illinois. Except it’s not regular motorists who are causing all the mayhem; it’s the police. Specifically, it’s police chases that are causing all the accidents. Chicago recorded 270 chases in

Debate over police chases in Ohio heats up following deadly crash. Should they be banned?

Debate over police chases in Ohio heats up following deadly crash. Should they be banned? Butler County Journal News, May 16, 2021 An excellent article researched and written by Parker Perry High-speed chases are dangerous for officers, suspects and the general public, experts said, and a recent Miami County chase that ended in a crash

2020 Deadliest Year For Police Pursuits In LA

https://news.yahoo.com/2020–police-pursuits-la-051637463.html @YahooNews @CBSLA April 27, 2021 Nicole Comstock from reports 2020 as being the deadliest year in history for police pursuits in LA. https://news.yahoo.com/2020–police-pursuits-la-051637463.html

14

PaulFarris.org      May 27, 2007 The heartache always remains.  We miss you, Paul.

As Though We Don’t Have Enough To Deal With

by Jonathan Farris Dad and Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change   February 23, 2021 As Though We Don’t Have Enough To Deal With For any parent who has lost a child, regardless of that child’s age, there’s a gnawing ache that never completely goes away. When the death first occurs and for several years afterwards,

May There Always Be Music & Light In Your Life

Greetings from the end of an insane year. I have to tell you, I’m glad 2020 is heading out the door. Wow. Happy Holidays, Jon 2020 Holiday Greetings from the Farris family, our companies & our advocacy   Original photograph by Jon Farris Photograph taken at the Basilica of Notre Dame, Montreal   Please visit

November 2, 2020

November 2, 2020 Fourteen Birthdays By Jonathan Farris, Dad and Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change Many of our readers will envision this particular Monday as the day before one of the United States’ most contentious Presidential elections. Some of our readers are worried about the COVID19 pandemic and devastation caused to individuals, families, countries and

Police Pursuit Symposium and WCPO Story

Hamilton County Police Association (Cincinnati Metro Area) Police Pursuit Symposium / WCPO interview Jon Farris, Chief Advocate for Pursuit for Change, was a featured presenter at the August 19, 2020 Cincinnati Metro Area Police Pursuit Symposium. Jon spoke about being a grieving father, a police pursuit victim, an advocate for reducing pursuits, a cheerleader for Pursuit

Understanding In A Car Crash

6/4/2020 By Jon Farris Understanding In A Car Crash Kinda weird. Hitting golf balls at the range and listening to music today. On comes Paul singing the band Thursday’s Understanding in a Car Crash (Paul’s version is here: https://paulfarris.org/paul-music-2/). I mean, really. It’s Thursday and him singing about a car crash… <:(

May 27, 2020. Thirteen Years

May 27, 2020. Thirteen Years posted May 27, 2020 Thirteen years since Paul was stolen from us.    Paul in his early years Another unnecessary #PoliceChase occurred on May 27, 2007. Paul Farris became another INNOCENT VICTIM. We became yet another family GRIEVING – forever.  When everything except your memories have been stolen, work hard

Border Patrol Agent Speaks Out About A High-Speed Chase That Ended In An Immigrant’s Death

Sadly, in our current all-too-divisive country and world, many people will read this article and say, “So what, it was just some illegal aliens.” So to them we say, those were REAL PEOPLE.  They had/have families and friends who love them. How would you feel if a drunk was driving your family or friends and

Wisconsin bill increases penalties for vehicle theft, reckless driving, and fleeing an officer

Wisconsin Vehicle Theft Legislation 2020 Wisconsin State Senator Chris Kapenga stated on February 19, 2020 in news release, “Car thefts (are) increasing in 8 of the 10 most populous (Wisconsin) counties.”  Here is the proposed WI Legislation that increases the penalties for vehicle theft, reckless driving, and fleeing an officer: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2019/proposals/sb769 The PFC take on

Many Pains Remain Forever – Parole Hearings

by Jonathan Farris Chief Advocate Many Pains Simply Remain Forever It’s been a while since I posted a note. Apologies, but life has and continues to get in the way of my advocacy efforts. I do, however, want to give you a brief update on the “justice system.” In the early morning of May 27,

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2019!

Please visit https://insurancerescue.com/holiday-cards/ to see all of our previous year holiday cards. 2019 Holiday Greetings from the Farris family, our companies and our advocacy Original photograph by Jon Farris Photograph taken near Madison, WI 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING (and back in the news…)

Wishing you and your families an incredibly HAPPY (and safe) THANKSGIVING!! I give special thanks for each you who support our mission to save the lives of innocent bystanders and law enforcement officers. Don’t eat too much turkey today – that way you can eat even MORE PIE! Jon PS: One more thing to give

Thirteen Birthdays; Remembering Paul

Thirteen Birthdays; Remembering Paul By Jonathan Farris, Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change   Paul was killed on May 27, 2007. ​That was the worst day of my life.​ November 2, 2019 will be the thirteenth birthday not spent with him. No birthday wishes. No birthday beer. No birthday cake. No birthday celebration. ​No birthday phone

Pursuits and Technology

Just remember that in MOST CASES, there ARE OTHER OPTIONS better and safer than chasing! #PoliceChase #Insurance @PursuitResponse #PursuitForChange #ThereAreOtherOptions #PursuitReductionTech   As pursuit numbers climb, Greene County sheriff looks to new technology for an answer Harrison Keegan, Springfield News-LeaderPublished 10:00 p.m. CT Sept. 4, 2019   Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott fell into a

More Milwaukee Police Pursuit-Related News August 2019

Jon Farris speaks with Anchor/Reporter Katie Crowther (https://buff.ly/2PAzOim) to discuss #PursuitAlert technology and #Milwaukee #PoliceChases. This is a short story that Katie and Jon hope to follow-up on in a future story. #PursuitResponse   Creators of new app hope police departments will get on board Posted: 7:36 PM, Aug 28, 2019 Updated: 7:36 PM, Aug 28, 2019

Deputy’s Actions Prior To Deadly Missouri Crash

I was recently interviewed by Harrison Keegan. I’m always happy to speak with the media. And in this case, I was pleased that the deputy followed procedures and did what was necessary to protect citizens as best he was able. However, I am heartbroken about the deaths of the Jamin Seabert, 41, Kimberly Seabert, 39,

Advocating for Change. Another Dad’s Journey

Phil Warshauer’s daughter Stephanie was killed in 2018 when police chased a stolen vehicle. Stephanie was one of FIVE (5) who died in that unnecessary collision. That story of her death is linked here: NC chase that killed 5 was based on false stolen car report, police say Since that time, Phil and his family

OP ED City Should Change Police Pursuit Policy . Urban Milwaukee

OP ED City Should Change Police Pursuit Policy 940 pursuits in one year? Police should return to using effective GPS technology tracking program. By Jonathan Farris – May 27th, 2019 11:43 am PLEASE SEE THE ORIGINAL POST at the Urban Milwaukee website: https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2019/05/27/op-ed-city-should-change-police-pursuit-policy/   On Friday, May 17th, Urban Milwaukee published an article highlighting a stolen vehicle police

Thinking About Squad Cars and Guns

Thinking about cars and guns by Jonathan Farris Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change May 27, 2019 Once again I awoke suddenly, shivering in a cold sweat. I had that vision – of the Taxi.  Damn.                         My brain was spinning out of control.  So.

Milwaukee’s Out of Control Police Pursuits

by Jonathan Farris Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change May 24, 2019 The following letter was sent to Wisconsin papers today. To-the-Editor-MFPC-and-MPD-police-chase-policies-05242019.pdf To the Editor On Friday, May 17th, Urban Milwaukee published an article highlighting a stolen vehicle police pursuit on North 45th and West Center Street. The fleeing vehicle ultimately rear-ended a taxi cab and

Innocent Woman and her 5 dogs killed

Another totally unnecessary #PoliceChase after a stolen vehicle takes the life of an innocent woman and her 5 dogs. Long Beach. Stupid. Unnecessary. Heartbreaking.  Long Beach Post ORIGINAL STORY: https://lbpost.com/news/crime/dogs-killed-police-pursuit-temple-3rd/ Woman and 5 dogs killed in crash that ended police pursuit by Valerie Osier and Jeremiah Dobruck    in Crime Neighbors in Bluff Heights were aghast Tuesday morning when a driver

Where There Is Life There Is Hope

Where there is life, there is hope.  Sometimes these are only strong words, but not in the case of Elber Twomey. On May 5, 2019 I was contacted by Becky Newman, Chief Inspector, Police Adviser for the Home Office Security Science & Innovation and Defence Science Technology Laboratory in West Sussex, United Kingdom. It seems

Two More Innocent Citizens Die – For A Stolen Car Police Chase

This story plays out EVERY SINGLE DAY across the US. Police chasing stolen vehicles and ALWAYS endangering innocent bystanders. In this case, Maria and Rosemary had to die so policy could chase. When will this stupidity end?   ORIGINAL KSN.com STORY AND VIDEO HERE: https://www.ksn.com/news/local/woman-and-girl-killed-in-crash-involving-fleeing-vehicle-identified/1980972004 Woman and girl killed in crash involving fleeing vehicle identified

Changing Pursuit Policies – Often After Tragedy

The Jackson County Sheriff recently enacted a stricter pursuit policy for his department. Terrific! However, this was after the previous sheriff loosened the policy. Sadly, the negligent actions of a Deputy caused great bodily harm to an innocent citizen.     ORIGINAL STORY AND VIDEO HERE:  https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article230034344.html When is a police chase appropriate? New Jackson

Seat Belt Violation Pursuit Injures Innocent Bystanders

Police Chases For Misdemeanor Traffic Violations MUST STOP! Independence Missouri is like way too many other jurisdictions. They allow officers virtually unlimited ability to engage in very dangerous, high speed police chases through city streets. And in cities like this, each and every day innocent citizens are injured and killed. The answer is simple. STOP

Minnesota Police Chases Up 170 Percent since 2010

An EXCELLENT investigative story by KSTP reporter Ryan Raiche Summarizing how most police departments in Minnesota still leave highly dangerous pursuit decisions up to individual officers.   ORIGINAL STORY + VIDEOS HERE: https://kstp.com/news/changing-how-they-chase-most-officers-in-minnesota-are-forced-to-make-judgment-calls-behind-the-wheel/5250139/ Changing how they chase: Most officers in Minnesota are forced to make judgment calls behind the wheel February 18, 2019 10:20 PM

More About Milwaukee’s Dangerous Pursuit Policies

More About Milwaukee’s Dangerous Pursuit Policies More and more people are recognizing the highly political nature of Milwaukee’s “pursue for any reason until the wheels fall off” police chase changes. Officers are dying. Innocent citizens are dying. Fleeing vehicles are screaming down Milwaukee’s densely populated neighborhoods at 75 miles per hour and faster – putting

Milwaukee sees big uptick in police chases

THIS is NOT success. THIS is FAILURE. Milwaukee #PoliceChase statistics from 2018: 165 individuals in the chased vehicle were injured 22 police employees were injured 38 pursuits ended with an injury to a third party Milwaukee sees big uptick in police chases after policy changed in 2017 POSTED 5:34 PM, APRIL 18, 2019, BY CASSIDY WILLIAMS ORIGINAL

Milwaukee Police Chase Policy Continues To Raise Questions After Deadly Crashes This Month

More pursuits. More deaths. More injuries. More sorrow. More politics. Milwaukee (MPD & MFPC & Milwaukee City Council) continues down a dangerous and unsustainable path. Thanks to reporter Corri Hess for reaching out to us. Milwaukee Police Chase Policy Continues To Raise Questions After Deadly Crashes This Month Report Shows Nearly 155 Percent Chase Increase

Until the wheels fall off

We are reading about more and more cities pursuing insane numbers of vehicles, the majority of which were for misdemeanors and property crimes. The stats in this story are telling – it’s a horrible result and a horrible attitude. More innocents WILL DIE. Until the wheels fall off: St. Ann is proud of its rep

MILWAUKEE: 2018 Police Pursuit Statistics. A Sad Story

MILWAUKEE: 2018 Police Pursuit Statistics These statistics speak for themselves (and that is NOT good). Thousands of citizens continue to be put in harm’s way by the Milwaukee Police Department’s out-of-control pursuit policy. 2018 Vehicle Pursuit Report Overview

Milwaukee Police Pursuit Policies Continue To Endanger And Kill

Milwaukee continues to ignore the fact that they are endangering citizens every single day. How many more will die before they fix their pursuit policies?   Man dead after police chase ends in crash, fire near 13th and Capitol POSTED 5:51 PM, APRIL 20, 2019, BY AARON MAYBIN AND MEGAN POSPYCHALA Original Story and Videos at: https://fox6now.com/2019/04/20/vehicle-crashes-into-home-near-13th-and-capitol/ MILWAUKEE —

You Chase; They Die; You Get Sued

This just keeps happening and happening. Poor decisions. #PoliceChases that should not have occurred. More INNOCENT citizens dying. More municipalities being sued for actions that should not have occurred. So much more training is needed. Greater usage of technology is expected. Pursuit Policies must be tough (violent felony only) and must be adhered to by

Ohio Police Pursuit Legislation

Model Pursuit Policy & Harsher Penalties Dear Representative Plummer. I applaud your efforts to reduce injuries and deaths of innocent Ohio citizens caught up in unnecessary non-violent felony police chases. Ohio has, sadly, pursuit stories in media nearly every single day. Your career as a law enforcement professional and now state representative place you in an incredible

Grand Forks Pursuits Double

Again we have LEOs “talking the talk” but not “walking the walk.” When a suspect runs, the officer has a CHOICE. If the officer pursues, then they started the chase. Period. When a suspect crashes, even if the pursuit was “called off” before the exact moment of the crash, IT IUS TILL A POLICE-PURSUIT RELATED

Kansas Law proposes to remove liability for police driving recklessly

Once again, powerful lobbying groups are simply more concerned with saving money than they are of saving the lives of innocent citizens.  This “problem” could be alleviated if the municipalities adopted significantly more restrictive pursuit policies, increased officer training and introduced new pursuit reduction technology..   Bill inspired by high-speed chase in Topeka would remove

Special Assignment

We want to let you know that Jon Farris is working on several special assignments, so our news postings have been suspended for a short while. We’ll get back to it ASAP! Thanks.

The Heartbreak is Real

Heartbreak by Jonathan Farris Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change February 10, 2019   I’ve been feeling really sad for the past few days. Flashbacks to the most horrible time in my life. On Friday night I received an email from the parents of a young man killed just three days earlier. His death was the

Kansas Legislation Heading In A Dangerous Direction

The insane Kansas legislation to remove liability for police pursuits by Jonathan Farris Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change ACCOUNTABILITY. Here’s what the Cambridge English Dictionary says. “The fact of being responsible for what you do and able to give a satisfactory reason for it, or the degree to which this happens.”  Seems like a fairly

PursuitAlert – Another Great Technology Tool

PursuitAlert – Another Great Technology Tool I’m very pleased to announce the first FORMAL rollout of PursuitAlert – terrific safety technology from my friends Tim & Trish Morgan. Learn more about their company here. https://www.pursuitalert.com/our-story Here is the story about their first live rollout with Oconee County Sheriff’s Department. Awesome! Videos are at the WSPA 7

Aged pursuit data, but still very pertinent

Aged pursuit data, but still very pertinent https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/state-and-local-law-enforcement-agencies-conducted-an-estimated-68000-vehicle-pursuits-in-2012-300454182.html State And Local Law Enforcement Agencies Conducted An Estimated 68,000 Vehicle Pursuits In 2012  NEWS PROVIDED BYDepartment of Justice, Office of Justice Programs May 09, 2017, 10:00 ET     WASHINGTON, May 9, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — General purpose state and local law enforcement agencies conducted an estimated 68,000 vehicle pursuits in 2012 for an

An Open Letter to Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett

An Open Letter to Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett Sent January 4, 2019.   Honorable Tom Barrett Mayor, City of Milwaukee City Hall 200 E. Wells Street Room 201 Milwaukee, WI 53202 Dear Mayor Barrett, On New Year’s Eve yet another Milwaukee police chase ended with the deaths of three – one being a two-year old

Georgia Police Pursuit legislation

Georgia Police Pursuit legislation A letter to Senator Gail Davenport, Georgia. Dear Senator Davenport, I recently read about your desire to pass legislation creating greater consistency in pursuit-policies across Georgia jurisdictions (news story below). It was disappointing that your SB 42 was unable to gain traction. I obviously don’t need to tell you, but legislation affecting

Police pursuits: Are they worth risk of injury, death?

Police pursuits: Are they worth risk of injury, death? An OpEd by Jonathan Farris, Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change Hi Mike, Merry Christmas! Thanks for an interesting and in-depth story regarding police pursuits in your area. I am encouraged when reporters delve into this national issue. It is very clear that Richmond Police Department, Wayne

Happy Holidays 2018

2018 Holiday Greetings from the Farris family, our companies and our advocacy Original photograph by Jon Farris; card design by Scott Farris 2018 photograph taken at the Renwick Gallery, Burning Man Exhibition

Opinion: Milwaukee Gambles with Citizen and Officer Lives

Opinion: Milwaukee Gambles with Citizen and Officer Lives by Jonathan Farris Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change December 10, 2018 On Thursday, December 6, the Milwaukee Police Department announced that carjackings were down and @Fox6Now Milwaukee  reported that “police credit change in pursuit policy for dramatic decrease in carjackings.”  This is a story about the City of

Another Birthday

November 2, 2018 By Jon Farris Today is the 12th birthday remembrance without Paul in our world. He would have been 35 today. You may think that as each year passes these “special days” get easier for us. You’d be wrong. Here’s a link to thoughts from Paul’s 33rd birthday. They’re appropriate today, and for

An Unexpected Opinion? Violent Felony Pursuits

An Unexpected Opinion? Violent Felony Pursuits by Jon Farris, Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change Typically when you hear me speak, or you read stories in which I’ve been quoted, I discuss why law enforcement had better options than a dangerous pursuit. And there definitely are options. Purchase, implementation and usage of pursuit reduction technology tools

Searching for Help in Washington DC

Searching for Help in Washington DC by Jonathan Farris, Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change October 2018   Police chases kill hundreds of people every year. At least one third of those killed are innocent bystanders. Additionally, law enforcement officers (LEO) are always at risk while chasing or while en route to a pursuit. In 2017

More Milwaukee-Area Pursuits

Yet another #Milwaukee-area stolen car #policechase, this time in very dangerous weather conditions and residential areas. And we’re sure the owner’s #Insurance company will be incredibly unhappy that the stolen car was totaled. Please, it’s time to stop pursuing stolen cars and try other options. PursuitResponse #PursuitReductionTech   VIDEO and ORIGINAL ARTICLE: https://www.wisn.com/article/stolen-car-leads-to-police-chase-rollover-crash/23556817 Stolen car leads

Officers Suspended for Bad Pursuit

Thanks Chief. A difficult decision, I’m sure. But necessary to change the culture and to save bystander and officer lives. Original Article here: http://www.tampabay.com/news/pinellas/clearwater/clearwater-cops-suspended-for-unauthorized-car-chase-20180926/ Clearwater cops suspended for unauthorized car chase by Kathryn Varn (@kathrynvarn) Published: September 26, 2018 Updated: September 26, 2018 at 05:04 PM CLEARWATER — Police Chief Dan Slaughter suspended two officers

High speed chases in Lebanon County lead to dangerous crashes

High-speed chases in Lebanon County lead to dangerous crashes LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS DEFEND POLICIES FOR PURSUING THOSE WHO WON’T STOP ORIGINAL STORY CAN BE VIEWED HERE: https://goo.gl/btwP6Q Daniel Walmer (@DWalmer_LDNews) Lebanon Daily News Published 6:40 a.m. ET Sept. 12, 2018 The driver of a Nissan Sentra didn’t have his headlights on during rainy weather on Nov. 16,

A father who lost his innocent bystander son in a police chase criticizes Milwaukee billboard campaign

Thank you to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (@journalsentinel) reporter Jesse Garza (@JJGGarza) for taking time to learn about our mission and for putting together a terrific story.   Original publication: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/crime/2018/08/31/dad-who-lost-son-police-chase-criticizes-milwaukee-billboards/1146518002/ A father who lost his innocent bystander son in a police chase criticizes Milwaukee billboard campaign Jesse Garza Updated 6:55 p.m. CT Aug. 31, 2018  

An Open Letter to Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales and the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission

In the summer of 2017 I addressed the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission about their directive forcing then Police Chief Flynn to reinstate dangerous non-violent felony vehicle pursuits.  I asked the Commissioners, “How will you respond when innocent bystanders are injured and killed for chases started under this new policy?”  “How will you respond when those

NBC Boston 2018 Police Pursuit Investigative Stories

NBC Boston 2018 Police Pursuit Investigative Stories A note from Jonathan Farris, Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change August 17, 2018 I’m driving across Ohio on Interstate 80 and my phone rings. I don’t recognize the number, so I ignore the call. Several minutes later my phone signals that I have an email. And that’s how this

Thank you, Nancy

Happy Easter. Happy Pesach. Or perhaps, just Happy Sunday. In Madison it’s a beautiful, blue sky and sunny day. My neurons were firing on all cylinders last night. That’s great if you’re sleeping and dreaming, but not so much when you’re awake and tossing and turning.  I thought about a Linkedin request I received a

Criminals’ Photos Should Not Be Included In News Stories

During February and March of 2018, Jonathan Farris wrote a short editorial / opinion piece. This was sent to several newspapers, both national and local. As of today, none of these opinion pieces have been published. As a result, we will post the information at the PFC website and work our communications through social media

Police not to blame for pursuit deaths (New Zealand)

Original video from The AM Show from Newshub.  Worth your time to watch. http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/03/police-say-they-re-not-to-blame-for-pursuit-deaths.html There are deadly #PoliceChase deaths across the world. This is a well done segment by the hosts of The AM Show at Newshub in New Zealand. @NewshubNZ @TheAMShowNZ.  Looking for solutions / options and not tossing out blame.  #PursuitReductionTech and more driving

More News

Please also see the Advocacy pages of PaulFarris.org HERE for many more news story links. News below

WINx Experience

Pursuit For Change Chief Advocate, Jonathan Farris, continues his ongoing support for law enforcement while working diligently to reduce non-violent felony #PoliceChase. Jon was asked to speak at a 2017 law enforcement training event in Appleton, WI. Pursuit For Change wishes to express our thanks to Roy Bethge and Brian Willis for including Jon at

If pursuits are one of police’s most ‘dangerous activities,’ should policies be stricter?

Yes. Yes. #PoliceChases should be much stricter. Pursuit For Change advocates for limiting most pursuits to violent felons only. http://www.wcpo.com/longform/if-pursuits-are-one-of-polices-most-dangerous-activities-should-policies-be-stricter If pursuits are one of police’s most ‘dangerous activities,’ should policies be stricter? Craig Cheatham, Pat LaFleur, Joe Rosemeyer Nov 16, 2017 Over the last six months, the WCPO I-team has collected records from 40

Raleigh family hopes teen daughter’s death changes high-speed police pursuit policies

PFC Chief Advocate, Jonathan Farris, speaks with the news. A terrific story by WNCN reporter and anchor, Sean Maroney. @WNCN Raleigh family hopes teen daughter’s death changes high-speed police pursuit policies Original story and VIDEO  RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – They’re eye-catching, dramatic and unexpected – high-speed chases between criminals and police. But it’s the people caught

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, 2017!

Holiday Greetings from our family, our companies and our advocacy. Wishing you peace, happiness, a fantastic holiday season and a joyous 2018​.​   Original photograph and card design by Jon Farris. Photo taken while wandering around the Wisconsin countryside.

Revised MPD pursuit policy now in effect

Excellent story by reporter Evan Kruegel at Milwaukee’s CBS 58. Posted: Sep 22, 2017 6:48 PM CDT             Original story here   Milwaukee Police officers now have the authority to chase vehicles driving recklessly or involved in mobile drug dealing. Those revisions to the department’s pursuit policy went into effect Friday September 22nd.

Milwaukee weakens pursuit policy

PFC Chief Advocate Jonathan Farris spoke to the MFPC several times, but that did nothing to change their minds. Under severe pressure from Milwaukee Aldermen, the Commissioners threatened to fire Police Chief Edward Flynn unless he loosened Milwaukee’s excellent police chase policies. The Chief was left no alternative. Only time will tell how many additional

“Closure”

By Grieving Dad’s author, Kelly Farley 8/25/2017 Original blog at https://grievingdads.com/blog/2017/08/25/closure-by-kelly-farley/ “Closure” Losing a child is the hardest thing you will ever do. You would trade places with your child. In an instant. But you can’t. Instead, you ask questions, and there are no answers. Only silence. You miss them. You love them. But that doesn’t

Why MFPC Wants More Police Pursuits

It is my personal opinion that this is a case of a Commission ceding to City Alders’ pressure. Departmental micromanagement by MFPC and a forced weakening of a strong policy, such as currently mandated, will most certainly result in more deaths of innocent Milwaukee citizens.  -Jonathan Farris, Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change Here is the

Highway Patrol mum on deadly US 23/74 wreck report

By Kimberly King http://wlos.com/news/local/highway-patrol-mum-on-deadly-us-2374-wreck-report Highway Patrol mum on deadly US 23/74 wreck report HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — The latest report on a deadly Haywood County wreck involving a North Carolina State Trooper is drawing strong reactions from many News 13 viewers. The&nbsp;report said Trooper Hunter Hooper was traveling 115 mph just moments before he

WINx 2017

by Chief Advocate Jonathan Farris I am honored to speaking at the October 2017 WINx event in Appleton, WI. More to follow. http://www.experiencewinx.com/jon-farris #WINx PursuitResponse Pursuit4Change

Preserving Our Memories

May the memories of our children remain forever… Jack Phoenix, a.k.a. SAKE, was the victim of a hit and run in 2015. He was crossing Venice Blvd at 8:30 pm on a Sunday night. Police were chasing a stolen car at high speed. There were no lights, no sirens. “TO SERVE AND PROTECT”. He was

Statement for the Milwaukee Fire & Police Commission

by Jonathan Farris Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change On July 27, 2017 Mr. Farris drove to Milwaukee to address the MFPC. Below is his statement.   “Today, again, I drove here for an opportunity to address this Commission regarding the issue of police pursuits. Pursuit For Change is an organization focusing on pursuit policies, legislation, technology and

Reducing police pursuits while supporting LEO’s

Original article located at the Pursuit Response website http://www.pursuitresponse.org/reducing-police-pursuits-supporting-leos/ Reducing police pursuits while supporting LEO’s By Jonathan Farris, Chief Advocate, Pursuit for Change Vehicular chases and police pursuit policies are issues often left on the back burner until a bystander or officer is injured or killed. I know this all too well. While recently speaking

Grand Jury: Los Angeles Police Pursuits Cause ‘Unnecessary’ Injuries, Deaths

July 11, 2017 Original Story: http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2017/07/11/grand-jury-police-pursuit/ LOS ANGELES (AP) – A grand jury has found police chases in Los Angeles are causing “unnecessary bystander injuries and deaths” and recommended police and sheriff’s officers undergo additional training to reduce the likelihood of crashes during pursuits, according to a report released Tuesday. The Los Angeles County civil grand

Managing High-Speed Pursuits

Please see the original article located at Police Magazine http://www.policemag.com/channel/vehicles/articles/2017/06/managing-high-speed-pursuits.aspx Managing High-Speed Pursuits By Samuel Kirchhoff High-speed police pursuits can be deadly for police officers, innocent bystanders, and suspects. A 2015 USA Today article reports that from 1979 to 2013, 139 police officers were killed during or as a result of high-speed pursuits. During that same

What’s Driving Complacency In Police Pursuits

From @PursuitResponse By Chuck Deakins, Pursuit Trainer What a tragic year 2016 was for law enforcement line of duty deaths involving ambush, violent assaults and firearms. Depending on the source that you use, LODDs due to firearms are up a staggering 61 percent to 83 percent over 2015, while overall LODDs are up 12 percent to

Ten Years

Ten Years By Jonathan Farris, Chief Advocate, Pursuit For Change   OK, here goes. I need to talk. On May 27, 2007 our oldest son Paul was killed in a vehicle crash. Some days it seems like yesterday. Other days it doesn’t even seem real. Walid Chahine, the driver of the taxi in which Paul was riding, succumbed

Editorial: Don’t put innocent lives in danger with high-speed police chases

By the St. Louis Post Dispatch Editorial Board Posted on May 11, 2017 A 9-year-old boy died Friday from injuries in a high-speed police chase that ended when the fleeing vehicle crashed into his family’s car near St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The mother of one of three men killed in a police chase in

Rocks 4 Rose

Remember this name and this date by Jon Farris, Chief Advocate – Pursuit For Change Rose Capela DeAngelis-Bio May 25, 2017 Rose should have turned 18 on this day, if she was still alive.  But Rose, like so many other innocent victims, was killed as the result of a police chase once again gone horribly wrong.

Too Many Police Chases End This Way

We know there are so many safer means for apprehending drivers who flee from police. We need law enforcement to embrace new technology and safer tactics. POLICE PURSUIT STARTS IN LEHI, ENDS WITH ROLLOVER OF BLUFFDALE OFFICER’S AUTO Author Deanna Wagner 30 April, 2017 A Bluffdale police officer suffered minor injuries after his auto crashed

Police chases not worth risk of tragedy

Here’s an article published the day of Paul Farris’ death. So tell me, exactly what’s changed in 2016? Police chases not worth risk of tragedy May 31, 2007 by Margery Eagan Boston Globe Columnist “Here’s yet another question: would you prefer someone driving through Boston erratically at 40 mph, or chased by police, at 70

She questioned police version of sister’s death – then fought for the truth

It is a simple and horrible fact that #PoliceChases affect families across the US every single day. The following note is from a dear friend who lost her sister. We have included the full article by Charlotte Observer reporter Bruce Henderson. I thought you might be interested in an article published yesterday in the Charlotte Observer.

NY Police Chases – A Review

Excellent article from the USA Today affiliated Democrat & Chronicle March 3, 2017 Written by John R. Roby (JROBY@pressconnects.com) and Sean Lahman (SLahman@Gannett.com) Original article at http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2017/03/03/police-chase-deaths/98402556/   Local policies see sharp reduction in dangerous police pursuits   An average of five New Yorkers die each year, a USA Today Network analysis of federal crash data finds. Wochit A police

Tech, Tech & More Tech!

Another great article about pursuit reduction technology in action. Original story New police tech looks like something from a Batman movie BYRON, GEORGIA (WCIV) — by Jon Bruce Thursday, February 2nd 2017 High speed police chases are among the most dangerous circumstances a law enforcement officer can face. They pose a risk not just for

We Need Much Stricter Sentencing Guidelines for Police Chases

Picture this. A man runs from the police, with four kids in his car, failing to stop when ordered. He strikes an innocent motorist and then careens into a bike rider, killing him. Our justice system seems to think that this behavior and outcome deserves SEVEN years in prison. Really? Mr. Graham’s family and friends were sentenced

Allegheny County police departments revisit high-speed chase policies

by JACOB TIERNEY Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, 12:16 a.m. The small Fawn Township Police Department doesn’t get involved in many high-speed car chases, but Chief Tim Mayberry remembers chasing down a suspect last year who was wanted in a break-in. “It went to speeds of over 100 mph,” he said. “If I had to do

StarChase system could help police end high-speed chases quickly

ORIGINAL ARTICLE at Motor Authority 12/16/2016 by Kirk Bell What’s the best kind of high-speed chase? The one that doesn’t happen, or at least the one that is over quickly. A pursuit aid called StarChase may help the police end pursuits quickly. StarChase LLC has released the third generation of its Star Chase GPS Launcher system, and

Only Us

The following is a blog by Kelly Farley, the author of Grieving Dads: To The Brink And Back. Kelly lost two children. He provides excellent insight to the difficulties of managing our lives after the loss of a child. Here’s a link to Kelly’s website and this particular blog. I also recommend that you purchase

Too Many LEO Deaths

Last night yet another police officer was gunned down by a man using children as a shield. http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/01/us/tacoma-officer-shot/ This officer represents the 132nd LEO killed in 2016, and there is still a month left in the year. I really hope more people begin to get riled up about the loss of police officers’ lives, too, because it and they truly matter. So,

Investigators continue to piece deadly chase and crash together

Investigators continue to piece deadly chase and crash together Updated: 6:02 PM EST Nov 28, 2016 Bob Hazen   Reporter NORTH VERSAILLES, Pa. —Four days after a police chase ended with three people killed in North Versailles, investigators continue to piece together what led up to the deadly crash. Surveillance video from a business along Route

Happy Thanksgiving!

Relationships. Knowledge. Inner Peace

Nov. 14, 2016 Pursuit For Change Chief Advocate, Jon Farris, will be attending WINx 2016 in Chicago this week.  During the past few years I’ve been significantly more engaged with the law enforcement community. I have to say that the more time I spend with these professionals, the more I am able to balance my perspective about

NEVER. STOP. PUSHING.

MA police department testing GPS darts to deter chases by: Stephanie Coueignoux, Jason Solowski Updated: Oct 31, 2016 – 11:04 PM http://www.fox25boston.com/news/mass-police-department-testing-gps-darts-to-deter-police-chases/462545205 BOSTON – There’s a new high tech device that could help cut back on dangerous police pursuits.  It’s called StarChase and one local police department is the first in New England to equip

10 Birthdays

10 Birthdays by Jonathan Farris I live in a different world than many of you. For ten years my spouse and I have taken November 2nd as a remembrance day. As a rest day. Generally as a be-by-ourselves day. Our son Paul should be celebrating his 33rd birthday on November 2nd, but because of a truly

Thank you, Officer

Saying Thanks by Jonathan Farris I’m an advocate. I work to reduce bystander and officer injuries and deaths caused during pursuits. As a result I typically focus on pursuits gone wrong or those I consider to be dangerous or unnecessary. However, please do not think that I harbor ill will to the law enforcement community. I do not.

The Tears You Can’t Control

by Jonathan Farris I’m not a fan of surprises. Not in business and not in my personal life. But as a dad whose son was killed in 2007, my personal life continues to serve up an endless sea of surprises – often in the form of tears. It doesn’t matter that Paul died nearly ten years ago. It

IACP Annual Conference

Pursuit For Change Chief Advocate, Jonathan Farris, will be attending the 2016 IACP Annual Conference and Exposition in San Diego. Please contact him at Jon@PursuitForChange.org if you are attending and able to meet and visit. Jon will also attend this year’s Highway Safety Awards Breakfast on October 18th. We hope to see you there. Learn more about the conference at http://www.theiacpconference.org

The Never-Talked-About Costs of Police Chases

Each day we read about many police chases. A huge number of those are to pursue stolen vehicles.  Chasing a stolen car or truck ALWAYS puts innocent bystanders at risk of injury or death. At Pursuit For Change we talk about that issue all the time. And as a result, we continue to push for stricter pursuit policies

Examine police pursuit policies!

The author of this insightful Op Ed is my dear friend and supporter, Ellen Deitz Tucker.  Every similar fatality should make us examine police pursuit policies Posted Jul 27, 2016 http://www.gastongazette.com/opinion/20160727/every-similar-fatality-should-make-us-examine-police-pursuit-policies Last Saturday I joined the crowd celebrating Belmont’s dedication of a beautiful riverfront park to the memory of Kevin Loftin, a former mayor who dedicated countless

USA Op Ed: My Pursuit To Reduce Police Chases

  My original submission title was My Pursuit To Reduce Police Chases. It was changed by USA Today to Police can kill with more than guns. After additional discussion it was revised to Police chases can kill. http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/policing/spotlight/2016/07/28/police-can-kill-more-than-guns-column/86955028/ Police chases can kill: Voices My son died after being hit during a high-speed chase. Yet there is

Police chase deaths up in 2014

by Tom Frank, USA Today. 12/28/2015 http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/12/23/police-chase-deaths-up-in-2014/77762174/ Police chase deaths up in 2014 DEATHS * 385 Bystanders 73 Passengers 77 Total Bystanders 150 Bystander under age 12 12 Police Officers 5 INJURIES * 1764   The number of people killed in high-speed police chases surged in 2014 to its highest level since 2007 despite efforts

Too Little, Too Late?

Tullahoma Mayor Calls for Change After Second High Speed Chase Ends in Death   BY SABRINA HALL @FoxNashville THURSDAY, JULY 14TH 2016 COFFEE COUNTY, Tenn. — The mayor of Tullahoma is calling for change after a Coffee County high-speed chase ends in tragedy for the second time in the last month. This time, the crash

Dallas Tragedy: 2 Snipers Ambush, Kill 5 Officers, Injure 7 Following Peaceful Protest

Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this heinous and hateful crime. Five officers are dead — four Dallas police officers and one Dallas Area Rapid Transit officer — after police say two snipers ambushed and opened fire on police officers at the end of a peaceful protest against nationwide officer-involved shootings Thursday

NBC 5 Chicago Investigates – Part 2

To Curb Deaths, Some Police Make the Choice Not to Chase Ingrained in every law enforcement officer are a few basic tenets: serve and protect, and catch evildoers before they can do more harm. It’s what they are paid to do, often risking their lives to accomplish those two goals. But some departments are taking

Advocates working to change police pursuit policies (WSMV)

Advocates working to change police pursuit policies Posted: Jun 30, 2016 9:29 PM CDT Reported by Heather Hourigan Original article at: http://www.wsmv.com/clip/12564582/advocates-working-to-change-police-pursuit-policies NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) –Thousands of bystanders and passengers have been killed since the 1980s in high-speed police chases. One of those happened last week in Murfreesboro when a mother of two was killed instantly when

Toyota Prius Commercial Update – June 28, 2016

By Jonathan Farris We were previously told by Toyota USA officials that the final run of Prius police chase advertising would end on June 26, 2016. However, on June 27th several Pursuit For Change followers indicated they saw the commercials again. I immediately contacted the Toyota USA executive with whom I have been dealing. Here is

Message to Toyota: Police Pursuits Are No Joke

Opinion Article Suppose you’re a homeowner who has watched your neighborhood deteriorate since drug dealers moved in. The drug traffic has disturbed your peace, destroyed the lives of friends, and threatened your security. Then suppose you turn on the TV and see a commercial for a product considered socially responsible: a low water-use toilet. The

Our View: City, county should have common police chase policy

Thanks to the Rockford Register for this editorial. They make very good recommendations regarding more commonality of different departments’ pursuit policies. If lives are truly to be saved, then move to a policy allowing pursuits for only violent felonies. And support local law enforcement with additional driving training and the ability to try new pursuit reduction

Police Pursuit, Maple Lake 5-Vehicle Crash Might Have Involved Medical Situation

http://kstp.com/news/maple-lake-5-vehicle-crash-police-pursuit/4164630/  Written by Dave Aeikens Updated: 06/10/2016 9:37 AM Photo credit: KSTP / Will Greiner The investigation continues into a police pursuit and multi-vehicle crash that injured at least four people Tuesday near Maple Lake. Authorities are trying to determine what happened and whether the driver was suffering from a medical incident or had criminal intent.

FOX25 Investigates: Massachusetts State Police logged 900 pursuits in 5 years

VIDEO here: http://www.myfoxboston.com/news/fox25-investigates-state-police-logged-900-pursuits-in-5-years/318809260 Very special thanks to Fox25 Investigative Producer, Erin Smith (@SmithReports), for reaching out and making this story happen. Thursday, June 2, 2016. Fox25 News. Troopers on police pursuits have racked up 132 crashes involving cruisers and other vehicles since 2012, FOX25 Investigates uncovered. State Police have logged 917 total chases in the past

CBN: Stop the Chase – How new technology can prevent deadly police pursuits

http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2016/april/stop-the-chase-how-new-technology-can-prevent-deadly-police-pursuits Rockdale County, GA — Have you ever found yourself caught in the middle of a high speed police chase? Though they may be entertaining to watch on television, police pursuits often end in violent collisions that kill or injure thousands of innocent bystanders and police officers each year. Now, a new technology could change the way

Toyota Prius Police Chase Advertising Update

On May 27, 2016 Jon Farris met with Toyota USA executives to discuss the Prius police chase advertising campaign. Although we’ll have more updates soon, here are two important points that came from the meeting: All Prius police chase ads will cease by June 20th The Toyota team has committed to not use police chases in any future

Misdemeanor Violation Police Chase Injures Innocent Bystanders

So unnecessary. This really needs to stop. ORIGINAL ARTICLE: http://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/three-hospitalized-when-high-speed-chase-ends-in-two-car/article_2feafee4-2298-11e6-95be-f375e1223eb3.html Three hospitalized when high-speed chase ends in two-car crash in south Columbia COLUMBIA — A high-speed chase that began on Interstate 70 near Midway on Wednesday morning resulted in a two-car crash near Providence Road and Nifong Boulevard and ended in the arrest of a

Nine Years. Celebrating Paul Farris With Music

May 27, 2016 is the 9th anniversary of Paul’s death. I usually write a short blog focusing on Paul and how his death impacted so many people – especially Roberta, Scott and me. But this year I’d like to try something different. For those of you who knew Paul personally, he was passionate about music. He began

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2017

Pursuit For Change is making headway!   Mr. CULBERSON, from the House Committee on Appropriations, submitted the following REPORT. The Committee on Appropriations submits the following report in explanation of the accompanying bill making appropriations for Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, and for other purposes. The

Pursuit For Change and Toyota USA

Persistence, people. If your mission is sound, then stay the course and fight the fight… On May 27th, the 9th anniversary of Paul’s death, two Toyota USA senior management VPs are flying to Madison to meet with Jon Farris, Chief Advocate of Pursuit For Change. They will discuss the Prius #PoliceChase advertising campaign and how

CBS Morning News “Chasing Danger”

CBS Morning News expose (Video). 2015 http://www.cbs.com/shows/cbs_this_morning/video/o9JOP89g0LzWYvDahpPMJWcLW_6wf7sG/police-chases-leave-trail-of-innocent-victims/

Feds fail to track deadly police pursuits

Tom Frank USA Today September 29, 2015 http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/09/29/nhtsa-police-high-speed-pursuit/72617864/ The U.S. government has drastically understated the number of people killed in high-speed police car chases, potentially by thousands of fatalities over several decades, a USA TODAY investigation shows. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration overlooked at least 101 motor-vehicle deaths in 2013 that were related to

Police Chases – Another Country; Same Results

An 18 minute video editorializing about NSW (Australia) #PoliceChases. Different Country, Same Horrible Results. Note similarity with US statistics (PS: some vulgar language) http://abdekh.com/watch/37Qo8JU5Lg4/police-pursuit-policy-crash.html?utm_

USA Today Police Pursuit Series – Police Chase Deaths Up In 2014

12/23/2015 Hi Jon, The story for which you and I spoke yesterday is up on our website — Police chase deaths up in 2014 http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/12/23/police-chase-deaths-up-in-2014/77762174/ Thanks again. You are always great to interview. It would be great to meet, so please let me know if you’re ever in DC. Tom Frank Reporter USA Today

Failing Legal System

1/31/2016 http://www.stltoday.com/news/opinion/mailbag/sheldon-richardson-sentence-sends-the-wrong-signal/article_6c5f69c2-4a1a-5db7-a691-dc814b939db0.html Op-ed in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch The legal system has failed in its treatment of Jets’ defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson (“Richardson draws fine, no jail time,” Jan. 27). To let Richardson off with a slap on the wrist sends the wrong signal about high-speed police pursuits and the inherent risks. Mr. Richardson’s poor

NBC Chicago Investigates Police Chases – Part I

Here is the first of several Chicago NBC5 #PoliceChase newscasts. Incredibly sad stories. Thanks to Producer Katy Smyser (@KatySmyser @nbcchicago) for allowing us to help with her research and thanks for her persistence in sharing the extent of this problem, not just in Chicago, but across the country. http://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/Chicago-Area-Police-Pursuits-Kill-Injure-Scores-of-Innocent-Bystanders-378166131.html

KQRE Prius Police Chase Report

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – An Albuquerque family is joining the push to pull a national television ad. They believe the ad, which debuted during the Super Bowl, for the new Toyota Prius is insensitive, saying there is nothing funny about bank robbers leading police on a chase. See the ad here >> The original spot starts

An Open Letter To Toyota USA

An Open Letter To Toyota USA May 2, 2016 Hello Toyota, I thought I’d drop you a quick note. I’d like to reintroduce you to Paul Farris (www.paulfarris.org). I recently talked about him with you, but perhaps you’ve already forgotten. Paul is my son. Paul is DEAD. Yes, dead for 9 years – killed at

Police Pursuits / Police Chases. They happen more than you can imagine

Please visit http://www.paulfarris.org/real-pursuits.html to see lists of daily chases where innocent bystanders and law enforcement officers are being injured and killed. Help us stop the carnage by signing our Change petition and by sharing this site with your local new channels.

Toyota Prius police chase advertising

Help us get these offensive ads off the air. Toyota is totally disrespecting law enforcement and all the thousands of victims who can no longer speak for them selves. Jon Farris is still working on this ‪#‎PoliceChase‬ ad problem. The original Super Bowl ad has been removed from the air permanently. We are attempting to have the

Child, officer sent to hospital after police pursuit, crash

TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) – A shoplifting call leads to a brief chase, an accident and a police officer being treated at a local hospital. Tupelo Police Department’s Chuck McDougal tells WTVA that it began with a shoplifting report at the WalMart on North Gloster around 4 p.m. When police go there, the suspect left in

IMPD to review police pursuit policy

INDIANAPOLIS —  Across Indianapolis each day, suspects run and police chase after them. And, as often as not, police don’t know who or why someone has decided to run from them. The newly appointed chief of police says vehicle chases must become a balancing act with the issues officers are dealing with in real time.

4 hurt in Cleveland crash after police chase

CLEVELAND — Authorities say four people were hurt following an overnight chase that ended with a crash at E. 36th and Euclid. The six-minute pursuit started early Thursday morning around 44th and Clark after a trooper noticed the back window was out, and couldn’t see a front license plate. WKYC is told the chase hit

Survivor’s family notifies Rockport of intent to sue over fatal high-speed pursuit

ROCKPORT, Maine — The family of the sole survivor of a crash that claimed two teenagers’ lives following a high-speed police pursuit last December has notified the town of its intent to sue. The notice of intent to sue was filed this week with the town by Jeri Vitale of Warren on behalf of her

Family of innocent driver question why Seattle police engaged in deadly chase

SEATTLE — A grieving grandmother is demanding an explanation from police as to why officers continued a pursuit that ended in a collision, killing her grandson. You can see in that pursuit and everything, they were just hauling tail,” said a tearful Pennie Ledford, referring to dashcam video of the chase that police released. “You

Officer and K9 injured in wild Miami car chase

A suspect was taken into custody following a police pursuit in Miami Friday afternoon. VIDEO: Officer, K-9 Hurt in Wild Miami Vehicle Pursuit The chase, which started in downtown Miami, involved a red 4-door Nissan Altima that was seen speeding on Miami streets. The car was eventually stopped in a driveway, and the driver, later

Mother of woman killed in police chase says it’s time to reconsider pursuits

VELDA CITY • About the time Keisha Redding printed her résumé at a state job assistance center, a police patrolman a mile south noticed a red Chevrolet Monte Carlo with no front license plate. After the driver made two turns without signaling, the officer switched on his lights and siren. The red sedan with a

Scholarship Season

It’s High School Scholarship Season. Jon spent a dreary-weather morning carefully reading applications from twenty-five darned amazing young men and women from Somerville High School. Paul would be very pleased. We will select two for our 2016 Paul Farris Memorial Scholarship. Please visit the PaulFarris.org Scholarship pages to learn more. http://www.paulfarris.org/scholarship.html

Challenging the rules of the road during high speed chases

(WXYZ) – They are always dangerous. They are always controversial. Dozens have been killed in high-speed police pursuits. Now one Michigan lawmaker is fighting to slam on the brakes, but state police are fighting back. While they can have a bad outcome, police say the chases are necessary. “I’d like to say I can end

Why police departments are reconsidering high-speed pursuits

A veteran Rockport police officer has come under scrutiny after a high-speed chase he led in Union last December ended with a car crash that left two teenagers dead. See dashboard camera footage of deadly high-speed chase in Rockport High-speed chases make for great adrenaline-soaked Hollywood action flicks; however, a growing body of research shows

2 killed in high-speed chase in San Bernadino

Two people were killed in a crash in San Bernardino early Monday after a brief high-speed pursuit by a sheriff’s deputy, authorities said. A San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy began chasing a speeding black Honda in the city of Colton shortly after 5 a.m., said Eileen Hards, a spokeswoman for the San Bernardino Police Department, which

Hey Toyota. It’s Time To Remove The Prius Police Chase Ads

UPDATE: We’re waiting for a more acceptable Toyota USA response to the highly disrespectful Prius #PoliceChase advertising. Jon Farris, Pursuit For Change Chief Advocate, is still attempting to arrange a meeting with the Marketing VP. Our recent tweet and real-life Prius police chase points to this national problem. “Here’s an example of a dangerous #PoliceChase in your

Family hurt in police chase speaks out

FLINT (WJRT) – (03/14/16) – A 6-year-old girl and her uncle are still in critical condition at Hurley – innocent victims of a police chase that ended with a crash. It happened late at night March 6 on a busy street on Flint’s north side. Police tried to pull over a woman for driving without

Are police chases of non-violent felons worth the risk?

DALLAS — Police chases sometimes end tragically. In 2005, 21-year-old Guillermo Mendoza, an innocent bystander, was killed when Dallas police officers were chasing a drug suspect and crashed. Mendoza’s brother told News 8 at the time his brother died for no reason. “This time, it was my brother,” he said. “Next time, maybe someone else.”

Chase ends when suspects hit school bus in Dallas

DALLAS — A police pursuit ended Thursday afternoon when the suspects’ vehicle crashed into a school bus in northeast Dallas. The chase began at a Fairfield Inn and Suites on the 4000 block of Towne Crossing Boulevard in Mesquite around 2:15 p.m., police said. A Mesquite police spokesperson said Thursday night the suspects were wanted

Police chase goes through golf course

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A man fleeing police was arrested after he took the officers on a chase through a St. Paul golf course. According to St. Paul Police, a 50-year-old man was driving north on Western Avenue around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, near Sherburne Avenue when he failed to make a complete stop at a stop

Statement in Government Technology

Milwaukee PD to Outfit Squad Cars with Fireable GPS Trackers Officers say the technology will allow for a safer, more focused, more effective apprehension of a suspect who flees. TNS) — The Milwaukee Police Department will outfit squad cars with devices that can fire GPS units onto fleeing vehicles to track them without engaging in high-speed

Keeping the public safe during a high speed chase

SHAWANO, Wis. — – A 29-year-old Pulaski man was taken into custody early Friday morning after leading law enforcement on a high speed chase through three counties. His name has not been released. The Shawano County Sheriff’s Office was carrying out an attempt to locate from the Brown County Sheriff’s Office and found the vehicle

Deadly chase prompts questions

Topeka police must analyze methods By The Capital-Journal Editorial Board A recent car chase in Topeka that took the life of an innocent woman must be analyzed. The chase, which was conducted at relatively low speeds, concluded with a horrific crash, which killed a passenger of another vehicle. What started as an attempt to pull

Child killed by driver fleeing police

LANTANA — About three minutes after two young Miramar boys on a weekend family visit went out for a walk around the block with relatives Saturday afternoon, Ida Cuevas said she heard “sirens, screeching tires and then a bump.” Rushing outside, Ida Cuevas, the boys’ grandmother, found a nightmare unfolding. “My first thought was horror,”

New Content Coming Soon

  We’ll be adding lots of new content over the next several months. Please visit http://www.paulfarris.org/advocacy-news-and-links.html until we have all of our advocacy information migrated.

Policy on Victoria Police pursuits must change to that the innocent can be protected

NEW rules can sometimes create a worse problem than the one they were supposed to fix. When it comes to police pursuits, the Police Association of Victoria believes the policy introduced in July 2015 has massive problems. We don’t advocate scrapping the rules. But we are calling for measures to improve the system to swing

3 reported dead in San Francisco, Super Bowl day police chase

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – A police chase in San Francisco on Saturday night ended with a fiery crash that is believed to have killed three people, KPIX-TV reported. The crash took place about 10 p.m. Saturday at Brannan and Ninth streets. The incident started with a police chase at 5th and Bryant streets, California Highway

Wild pursuit ends with crash in Shawnee

A pursuit spanning several counties this morning has ended in Shawnee, where the vehicle crashed near a Shawnee business along Harrison Street. Several law enforcement vehicles are damaged as a result of the chase. The chase reportedly began near Holdenville. Reports from Shawnee police indicate that the pursuit of a stolen vehicle began in Hughes

Amber Alert investigation ends with chase, crash

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE/KXRM) – A man accused of abducting a 2-year-old girl in Albuquerque has been caught after a chase that ended in a rollover crash in Colorado. According to New Mexico state police, 19-year-old Ramiro Tirado took 2-year-old Denise Tirado Monday night in Albuquerque. State police issued an Amber Alert for Denise after the abduction.

Man charged with murder after stolen vehicle, police chase caused deadly crash

A man who police say stole a truck, sparked a police chase and caused a crash that killed a Topeka woman was charged Monday with first-degree murder. Sherman N. Jenkins, 62, of Jefferson County, appeared before Judge William Ossmann in the morning via video feed from the jail. Jenkins, who was wearing a light blue

High speed chases have killed thousands of innocent bystanders

A death a day from police chases RUNNING RED LIGHTS AT 100-MPH PLUS Corrections and clarifications: An earlier version of this story used an incorrect first name for Maj. Travis Yates More than 5,000 bystanders and passengers have been killed in police car chases since 1979, and tens of thousands more were injured as officers repeatedly

Metro Atlanta police pursuits are the latest in a wave of carnage

Imagine if five innocent bystanders — an elderly couple, a grandmother and two cute kids — were killed in gun battles as metro Atlanta police shot it out with druggies or suspected car thieves. There’d be one hell of a shinola storm brewing here. High-speed chase fatalities in metro Atlanta The scenario above didn’t originate

Jon Farris op-ed in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The legal system has failed in its treatment of Jets’ defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson (“Richardson draws fine, no jail time,” Jan. 27). To let Richardson off with a slap on the wrist sends the wrong signal about high-speed police pursuits and the inherent risks. Mr. Richardson’s poor decision to flee — at speeds topping 140

Jets’ Sheldon Richardson pleads guilty in high-speed chase, gets no jail time

ST. CHARLES COUNTY • New York Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson on Tuesday was fined $1,050 but escaped jail time for leading police on a high-speed, late-night chase on Highway 40 (Interstate 64) last July. Associate Circuit Judge Norman Steimel issued the sentence as part of a plea agreement negotiated by prosecutors and Richardson’s attorney,

Jon speaks with WTMJ Radio in Milwaukee

Listen HERE.

Jon Farris interview with HUFFPOST LIVE

Watch HERE. *Jon’s segment starts at the 12 minute mark

USA Today writer Tom Frank discusses police chases

LISTEN HERE.

Police chases leave trail of innocent victims

CBS This Morning Watch now: From 1979 through 2013, they killed more than 11,500 people  

Different country, same horrible results

Note similarity with U.S. statistics. (Warning: there is vulgar language). http://buff.ly/1Pt1IEZ  

Police say multiple vehicle crash happened after stolen vehicle pursuit

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Metro 911 said there are about six people with possible injuries at a multiple vehicle wreck in South Charleston that apparently happened after a police pursuit. The accident happened about 5 p.m. at Kanawha Turnpike and Jefferson Road, dispatchers said. A dispatcher described the people with possible injuries as three “walking

1 hour, 18-wheeler pursuit in Texas

NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Police from several departments and troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) chased the driver of an 18-wheeler for more than an hour and ultimately ended a standoff peacefully. The chase began in the Garland area, went into Rockwall County, and at lunchtime was on the Interstate-30 service road in Royse

Pedestrian hit and injured during stolen vehicle pursuit

SEATTLE — A pedestrian was hit and injured by the driver of a stolen vehicle during a police pursuit Wednesday morning in downtown Seattle. Seattle police say officers tried to pull over a stolen car around 6 a.m. but the driver fled, eventually clipping a pedestrian. The driver jumped out of the car near Olive Way

Innocent motorist killed in stolen vehicle pursuit

A police chase ended in a head-on collision between the pursued van and a pickup truck that left both drivers dead Friday afternoon in Ellis County. The Midlothian Police Department said in a press release that officers were pursuing a van stolen Friday from a Waxahachie construction site when it veered across a median on

Shoplifting pursuit leads to crash

A Lexington woman is in jail after crashing her car into a Lincoln County deputy’s car during a police pursuit through parts of two counties, police said. April Wallace, 36, was being pursued about 4:30 p.m. by a Stanford officer who suspected her of shoplifting, according to a release from Kentucky State Police. Police chased

Texas teen killed by wrong-way driver fleeing police

MIDLOTHIAN — A chase involving a vehicle theft suspect and multiple law enforcement agencies ended in a fatal crash Friday afternoon near Midlothian, killing that suspect and an innocent motorist. Ellis County sheriff’s deputies and Waxahachie police officers pursued  the suspect — who was driving a stolen van — from Waxahachie to Midlothian. Two people were killed when a stolen van

76-year-old grandmother killed in crash triggered by pursuit on Christmas

76-year-old woman has been identified as the victim in a fatal crash triggered by a pursuit in Moreno Valley on Christmas Day, officials said Monday. Around 4:33 p.m. Friday the California Highway Patrol became involved in a pursuit of a 2013 Nissan Frontier on the westbound State Route 60 near Perris Boulevard after the driver

Crash of stolen car kills 1, injures 12 after Chicago chase

CHICAGO (WLS) — One person was killed and 12 others were injured in a violent crash on the city’s South Side Saturday that police say involved a stolen car after a short chase. Police say an unmarked squad car first identified a stolen vehicle and attempted to get the driver to pull over at 66th

Officer hospitalized in ICU after high-speed chase

A Westville police officer underwent surgery at an Arkansas hospital after being injured during a pursuit in Adair County on Monday evening. The officer was involved in a crash during the pursuit on U.S. 59 just north of U.S. 62 in Westville about 8:15 p.m. The crash caused all lanes of the highway to close

Jon speaks on NPR’s All Things Considered

Listen to the story HERE. In Hot Pursuit of Public Safety, Police Consider Fewer Car Chases Police officers have to make complicated, split-second decisions every day — and whether or not to chase a fleeing suspect is no exception. And they often have to make this decision while driving a car at very high speeds.

USA TODAY: Police chase deaths are up in 2014

The number of people killed in high-speed police chases surged in 2014 to its highest level since 2007 despite efforts by police departments to reduce the risks of people getting killed and injured, a USA TODAY analysis shows. A total of 385 people died in motor-vehicle crashes in 2014 that occurred while police were chasing a

High-speed chases: Police make life-or-death decisions on the run

Police chases of suspects at high speeds can quickly turn deadly for the pursuer, the pursued and bystanders — one reason law enforcement officers are taught to use caution before hitting the gas pedal. Tuesday’s NYPD pursuit from New York City into Yonkers ended with a head-on crash along the Saw Mill River Parkway in Yonkers and one of the two suspects shot dead

USA TODAY: FBI vastly understates police deaths in chases

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has drastically understated the number of police who have been killed in high-speed chases, counting only 24 deaths since 1980 despite records showing more than 370 officers killed in vehicle pursuits in that time span, a USA TODAY analysis shows. At least 371 police officers were killed in chases from

Suspect shot, killed after NYPD pursuit ends in crash

YONKERS, New York (WABC) — One person is dead and other is in custody following a series of events, including a police pursuit and crash that began in the Bronx Tuesday morning. The crash shut down the Saw Mill River Parkway in both directions in Yonkers between exits 3 and 4, which is near the