As the just released report of a comprehensive review of ACT Policing ( CT July12) was based on information up to June 2005 it may not have noted that Queensland is planning to curtail police-chases of drivers suspected of minor offences, such as car stealing, driving unregistered vehicles or minor traffic infringements as a positive measure to protect innocent lives from out-of-control speeding cars.
Fresh in our minds is the tragic death of university student Clea Rose last July, after she was hit by a speeding stolen car being pursued by police.
On March 27 , the editorial in The Canberra Times reported public anger at a cover-up by the police in their attempts to deny a chase had taken place.
Guidelines to police in NSW were amended last year to reduce the danger of high-speed pursuits, classifying them as a last resort, to be undertaken only as a response to a serious incident , such as an armed hold-up or a siege.
What then, are the pursuit guidelines of the ACT police?
Why must a Freedom of Information claim be lodged to find out?
Surely, operational procedures will not be jeopardized , if to allay peoples` concerns, the general outlines of the guidelines are publicised.
Keith McEwan (Canberra Times letter)