I drive for a living. I see crazy stuff every day on every corner in every niche where there are roads. A policeman once told me, "As long as people are allowed to misbehave, they will." Which makes me wonder with satellites, computers in vehicles, why law enforcement dosen't link these tools together. No speeding, no improper lane changing, no red light running. Maybe, confusion keeps the economy rolling along.

I agree that good detective work does catch a lot of criminals. Anyone know of any good detectives around these parts? It seems like we may have a shortage.

Be wary of numbers and what they mean. The "40% end in crashes" number doesn't have much meaning. 1% of that means .4% of all chases end in innocent fatalities. 3 innocent people/week is certainly a shame, but you have to factor in the number of innocent people killed anyway by drunk drivers. Then, add back the 18.4% of drunks not stopped in these chases (46% of 40%) and my guess is the number of innocent lives killed by drunks goes up. The chases (with a 1% fatality rate) might actually lower the overall loss of life due to drunk driving. Math aside, the Waco PD has a strong policy on high-speed chases (based on a few dozen personal observations). Officers report their speed along with their location and traffic conditions. Sergeants are quick to shut a chase down on many non-felony pursuits. It depends on the traffic, residential areas, speeds, weather, etc. From what I have seen, we can be proud of the Waco Police. Oh, and a running felon is a felon. The way I see it, you owe $1200 for that 12%. More bar-b-q will probably suffice.

America needs more barbeques like yours, Kay, where people can disagree without being disagreable. I think rules of engagement have gotten tighter, and apparently need tightening even more. What's the beat cops perspective, statistically speaking?

Police who fire their weapons while on duty are usually placed on a desk job while the situation is reviewed. Why not do the same with any policeman who forgets he has a radio and places his life and civilians' lives in danger? Radios were invented for a purpose. Police cars have them. There is no reason another officer can't help follow (at a reasonable speed) or intercept the questionable vehicle.

On balance, I have to say I agree with< Kay. One innocent life is worth more than the immediate gratification which may result. But,I have to give you huge kudos for even finding the VIPS website - that's truly awesome!

The Chiefs of Police surely know these figures. Makes me wonder why they continue such chases? I wonder what WPD's policy is on HSPCs?

I agree 100 percent.