'Pursuit' no defence for cops in fatal accidents
Published:Monday | January 24, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Laura Redpath, Senior Gleaner Writer
Despite the danger and risks involved in speeding, the road-safety unit is in support of the police's right to pursue motor vehicles in violation of the Road Traffic Act.
Kenute Hare, director of the road-safety unit, told The Gleaner recently that this right must never be taken from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
"If the police say a vehicle must stop, then the vehicle must stop," Hare insisted. "The police must set up necessary mechanisms to cordon of the area and then move into position to get these vehicles to stop."
Hare was referencing what individuals individuals identify as a police 'chase', where cars are being followed closely by the police, sometimes breaking the speed limit.
Earlier this month, four individuals were killed and three others were injured at a wake in Four Paths, Clarendon, when a motorist fleeing the police crashed into a residence.
Despite eyewitness reports that the driver involved in the accident was being pursued by the police at high speed, Dathan Henry, senior superin-tendent in charge of Clarendon police, denied this.
Henry had said the police were trained to tail speeding motorists and call for assistance in intercepting their vehicles.
Exercise caution at all times
Radcliffe Lewis, the JCF's senior superintendent in charge of the police traffic division, said he would not declare whether he was for or against police pursuits, but stressed that caution must be exercised by all road users, including police personnel and bystanders.
"It's a catch-22 situation. When in pursuit, the law must be upheld and the safety of all road users and pedestrians must be considered," Lewis told The Gleaner.
He stressed that, if other road users might be placed in danger during a pursuit, the police should withdraw.
"When the dust is settled and you were speeding and involved in a fatal accident, you cannot mention you were in pursuit," Lewis noted.
"Being in pursuit is no defence in court. It would only help to convict (a police officer)."