Report: MPD pursuits spike in 2018

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A new report shows pursuits by the Milwaukee Police Department spiked in 2018.

MPD engaged in 940 pursuits in 2018. In 2017, that number was just 369.

The increase comes after a policy change within the department.

In 2010, officers could only pursue drivers with violent felonies, that changed in 2017.

The new policy allows offices to chase reckless drivers and drug dealers.

Last summer, a high speed chase led to the death of Officer Charles Irvine Jr. after his squad car flipped several times.

Chief Alfonso Morales said his officers will be aggressive in pursuing people who put other lives in danger.

“A vehicle is a 4,000 to 5,000 pound bullet when you operate it that way,” he said. “You can’t go around driving recklessly putting other lives at risk.”

The Fire and Police Commission listened to a presentation about the report at their meeting Thursday. 

Chief Morales was also in attendance and discussed how dangerous chases can be. 

"Is it dangerous? Absolutely, it is, which involves supervision, first line supervisors, it involves our inspectors that are out there at night to make the right decisions, sometimes we have to back off," he said. 

To read the full report, see below: