Data shows MPD chases are up as FPC, police chief at odds over pursuit policy

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – On Thursday, May 21, Milwaukee’s Fire and Police Commission (FPC) detailed new data that shows the impacts of police chases throughout the city.

It comes as the FPC, and police chief are at odds over revising the department’s chase policy.

This study catalogued and analyzed all the police chases in Milwaukee in 2025.

In short: more chases are happening in recent years, at higher speeds, and with younger drivers.

And they’re leading to more crashes.

There were 970 vehicle pursuits in 2025, a 1.3% increase from 2024.

Seventy percent reached speeds of more than 75 mph; 23% of the chases topped 100 mph.

A third of the chases resulted in accidents.

Sixty-seven bystanders were injured, six of them died.

In recent weeks, the FPC has recommended MPD change its pursuit policy.

The FPC wants to prohibit chases “for reckless driving that is observed after an attempted traffic stop.”

They also want officers to end pursuits if it “increases the danger to the public.”

But Chief Jeffrey Norman declined to make those changes, saying in a letter “at this time, MPD intends to maintain its current policy.”

Many community members have long called for changes.

Tiffany Stark said at the meeting, “I’m not going to stop fighting. Too many people are dying over stupid things. And people should be able to come home and be safe driving down the damn street.”

The current policy went into effect in February. Chief Norman said that’s not enough time to know if it’s effective yet.

Despite him not changing the policy, the FPC sent the recommendations to the common council, where next month alders could vote to make the changes over MPD’s objections.