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Resident urges policy limits on high-speed police driving; mayor says department has pursuit policy
Summary
Sonia Bryce told council officers repeatedly drive 60—60-70 mph during responses on Otranto Road and asked whether North Charleston has a pursuit or "no chase" policy. Mayor Burgess said the department is nationally accredited, cited pursuit policy O-03, and offered to provide a copy for review.
During public comment, resident Sonia Bryce described repeated high-speed driving and pursuits by police on Otranto Road, a two-lane residential corridor with walkers and nearby schools, and asked council whether there is a policy limiting pursuits.
"I've personally seen them going to calls and chasing cars going a minimum of 60 to 70 miles an hour on Otranto Road," Bryce said, and asked whether officers have limits or if there is a "no chase" policy when community safety is at risk. She said she walks multiple hours daily and is concerned for neighbors, wheelchair users and students.
Mayor Reginald L. Burgess and city staff responded that the police department maintains a written vehicle pursuit policy (referred to in the meeting as O-03), that the department is nationally accredited, and offered to provide Bryce with a copy. "This policy is what I worked 34 years to work off...It is the policy in North [Charleston]...vehicle pursuits and operations," Burgess said, adding staff would make copies and the chief would be available for further discussion.
Bryce asked the council to "put a policy in place to protect the community" and council members agreed to provide the policy language for review and to follow up with the chief and staff.
