Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Police topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council adopts revised police pursuit policy, holds cross‑border paragraph for review
Summary
Following debate about liability and past lawsuits, the council adopted a new police pursuit policy but excluded paragraph j (language on pursuits beyond state borders) and asked the city attorney to draft amended wording for a future vote.
The Helena City Council adopted a revised police pursuit policy but deferred final language on cross‑jurisdictional pursuits after discussion of liability concerns.
Police Chief Sanders presented the draft policy and said he supports a more proactive posture to reduce crime, citing a recent statute that makes fleeing in a motorized vehicle a felony. "Since June 6, when I took office, there has been over 450 traffic stops," Chief Sanders said, and he told council he can provide monthly statistics on enforcement activity.
City Attorney cautioned that paragraph j in the draft policy does not clearly authorize pursuits beyond Arkansas borders and that past lawsuits — including out‑of‑state claims — create exposure if the city pursues into Mississippi without clear mutual‑aid or coverage. "Paragraph j ... we shouldn't authorize pursuit into Mississippi, because it's not gonna be covered," the city attorney said.
After debate, Councilmember Miller moved to adopt the policy while excluding paragraph j; the motion was seconded and passed on roll call (six yes). Council directed the city attorney to work with staff to draft amended paragraph j language and return the policy for a future vote so the city can retain agreed operational policy while narrowing liability exposure.
Chief Sanders said he will provide monthly crime and activity breakdowns to the council to show enforcement trends and outcomes.
