Milwaukee board weighs stricter police chase rules after deaths tied to pursuits

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee’s Fire and Police Commission is considering major changes to the police department’s pursuit policy.

One proposal would require officers to end a chase if there is any risk to public safety. Another would prevent pursuits for reckless driving unless the behavior was observed before an attempted traffic stop.

People speaking at the commission’s meeting Wednesday night also called for more transparency from the Milwaukee Police Department.

"MPD needs to be more forthcoming in all pursuits. We want data around all of those pursuits with monthly, quarterly data given to the public," one speaker said.

Another added the Milwaukee Alliance is pushing for a stricter policy "so there’s no level of ambiguity, so it’s clear cut."

The policy debate follows several deadly pursuits, with nine deaths linked to police chases in 2025. The commission voted to table the proposal for further review before sending it to the Common Council.