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Committee continues vehicular-pursuits item after reviewing department statistics showing reductions
Summary
The committee took time on an item about limiting pursuits for low‑level, nonviolent offenses after staff forwarded data showing substantial reductions in pursuits and pursuit‑related accidents over recent years; the item was placed on time to allow members, including one with technical issues, to review materials.
The committee deferred action and left the vehicular‑pursuits resolution on time after reviewing pursuit statistics provided by the public safety chief and forwarded to members.
Chief Craig Morgan told the committee staff had reviewed five years of pursuit data (2021–2025) and reported ‘‘nearly 50% reduction in just the number of pursuits’’ over that period, an almost ‘‘70% reduction in the amount of accidents related to pursuits’’ and a reduction in average pursuit duration from about 3 minutes 45 seconds to about 2 minutes 12 seconds. The figures were described by Morgan as reflecting department practice changes over the period; he encouraged members to contact him for further detail.
Councilmember Garrett asked for continued time to review the packet, noting he had not yet received the materials because of a technical issue; the committee approved a motion to continue consideration of the vehicular‑pursuits item (motion passed 4–1). The clerk confirmed the data Morgan discussed had been forwarded to members for review earlier in the day.
The committee discussed whether a future vote should be scheduled before the upcoming legislative recess; members raised parliamentary questions about withdrawing prior motions and whether the law department needed to be present for reconsideration. Chair McKittrick said the committee would remain "on time" and could reconvene in regular chambers if necessary. No new directive or ordinance was adopted at the meeting.
