Laredo police say pursuit policy is 'restricted' not a no-chase; council hears operational impacts and staffing limits

Chief Rodriguez briefed the City Council during the meeting's supplemental agenda that the department's pursuit policy is best described as "restricted," not a blanket 'no-chase' policy. "Our policy is a restricted policy as to when we can chase and when we cannot," Rodriguez said. He explained that officers and supervisors assess when a chase is too dangerous to continue and that the department prioritizes community safety.

Rodriguez told council the department is about 72 officers short and that recruiting remains challenging. He said the department is investing in technology for surveillance and in officer wellness programs to retain staff. "We're investing heavily on technology...and we're investing heavily on wellness," he said.

Council members asked where most chases begin; Rodriguez said recent activity largely begins near the Mines Road area and has shifted in the last year. He also warned that crashes associated with chases place a disproportionate operational burden on Laredo Police Department resources because other agencies involved in multi-agency chases do not carry the follow-up calls for service that Laredo PD must handle.

Why it matters: The city's clarification affects public expectations and interagency coordination; council and staff said they will continue to refine protocols with state and federal partners.

Next steps: Staff will continue collaboration with partner agencies and report back if policy or procedural changes are recommended.