The Fire and Police Commission has granted Milwaukee Police Chief's request for more time to review the department's vehicle pursuit policy.
On July 25, Chief Ed Flynn sent a letter to the commission, asking for a 30-day extension so the city attorney can review the directive and provide a legal opinion.
He said following the commission's Thursday meeting that he will change the policy but he needs more time. He plans to speak with police departments at other major cities in the country who have similar pursuit policies.
The City's Fire and Police Commission issued a directive earlier this month stating that MPD's current chase policy threatens public safety and that Chief Flynn had two weeks to make changes to the policy.
Several members of the Milwaukee Common Council issued a joint statement saying that they will work to provide outside legal counsel for the Fire and Police Commission if necessary, in response to Flynn saying he is seeking advice from the city attorney.
The current vehicle pursuit policy states that police officers can only initiate a pursuit if the officer believes a violent offense has occurred. But the commission in its directive said criminals are taking advantage of that policy, knowing that police more than likely won't come after them.
According to statistics mentioned in the commission's directive, between January and May of this year, there has been a 160 percent increase in the number of hit-and-run deaths compared to the same time period last year.
Additionally, there were over 600 vehicles each month fleeing from officers during traffic stops.
Some of the changes the commission wants to see in the policy include creating a list of vehicles known to conduct mobile drug dealing and allowing officers to pursue those vehicles.
They also want an amendment allowing officers to pursue cars if the driver is recklessly driving, speeding and not stopping at red lights.
State law says that the chief has to implement the directive unless it's overruled in writing by the mayor.
Flynn now has until August 27 to submit an amended policy.
