MPD averaged more than 1 vehicle pursuit per day in 2017

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The numbers are out, and Milwaukee police have the highest rate of pursuits.

MPD changed its policy on vehicle pursuits in September, loosening it to justify chasing more drivers.

The Fire and Police Commission partly credits that change to the increase in chases.

According to their data, there were 369 pursuits in 2017. That’s the most since at least 2002. Despite the high number, a lower percentage of chases caused accidents and injuries than in 2016.

Last year, 50 pursuits resulted in injuries. In 2016, that number was 69. Looking closer at the pursuits, nearly half of 2017’s chases reached speeds of 75 miles per hour or more.

Half of the identified drivers were 18 years old or younger. Another finding from the data is that officers apprehended the drivers in 30 percent of their pursuits.

That number's been on a mostly downward trend since 2010 when 91 percent of drivers were caught.

For the Commission’s complete findings, click here.