California High Court Sides With Police in Case Over Chases
Share
SAN FRANCISCO — The California Supreme Court on Monday unanimously rejected a lawsuit that sought to make it easier to hold police liable for crashes that occur during pursuits.
A state law says police agencies are immune from liability if they have a written pursuit policy, provide annual training about chases, and require that all officers certify in writing that they have read and understood the policy.
“The standard is now so low that any department will be immune. All they have to say is, ‘We have a requirement,’ and that’s good enough.” — Abdalla Innabi, attorney
However, the state Supreme Court said it would be almost impossible for large agencies with thousands of officers to show that every officer has met the certification provision.“A requirement may exist even if not every peace officer complies with it,” Associate Justice Ming Chin wrote for the court.
The decision came in a lawsuit filed against the Southern California city of Gardena by Irma Ramirez, whose son was killed in 2015 after an officer bumped the pickup truck he was in during a chase and sent it crashing into a light pole. He was a suspect in an armed robbery.
Ramirez’s attorney, Abdalla Innabi, said the decision makes people less safe by protecting departments no matter “how negligent, how egregious, how reckless” the pursuit.
Chin said opening up agencies to liability for a single officer’s failure to complete the written certification would reduce the incentive for agencies to craft a pursuit policy and provide training.
RELATED TOPICS:
NASA Says 20% of Workforce to Depart Space Agency
News /
1 day ago
Frustration, Gaza Alarm Drove Macron to Go It Alone on Palestine Recognition
World /
1 day ago
Trump Golfs in Scotland as Epstein Questions Persist
World /
1 day ago
Visalia Police Arrest Armed Robbery Suspect at Long John Silver’s
Crime /
1 day ago
Grand Rising Brings Sober Day Party Vibes to Fresno
Events /
1 day ago
Fresno Crash Leaves One Dead After Car Submerges in Canal
Local /
1 day ago
‘Jenny from the Block’ Rescued After Camping Out by Calwa ATM
Animals /
1 day ago
Visalia Police Arrest Wanted Man Following DUI Traffic Stop and Chase
A 20-year-old man was arrested early Saturday morning after leading officers on a pursuit into Tulare County, authorities said.
Just after 1...
Local /
3 hours ago
Categories
Latest
Videos

Local /
3 hours ago
Visalia Police Arrest Wanted Man Following DUI Traffic Stop and Chase

World /
3 hours ago
Trump, EU’s Von Der Leyen to Meet on Sunday to Clinch Trade Deal

World /
3 hours ago
Israel Announces Daily Pauses in Gaza Fighting as Aid Airdrops Begin

News /
1 day ago
NASA Says 20% of Workforce to Depart Space Agency

World /
1 day ago
Frustration, Gaza Alarm Drove Macron to Go It Alone on Palestine Recognition

World /
1 day ago
Trump Golfs in Scotland as Epstein Questions Persist

Crime /
1 day ago
Visalia Police Arrest Armed Robbery Suspect at Long John Silver’s

Business /
4 days ago