Drivetime Mahatma

Lawmen have rules on pursuits

Dear Mahatma: To catch a vehicle going 100 mph would require the chase car to be going faster than 100 mph, creating a second speeding bullet. -- Robert

Dear Robert: You reference last week's column. A reader wondered about an Arkansas Game and Fish wildlife officer who observed a vehicle on Interstate 40 doing 100. The officer gave chase and arrested the driver. Our reader wanted to know if a wildlife officer had the legal authority to do so. Yes, because he's a sworn and certified officer of the law, and has the duties and responsibilities of any such officers.

But this is a valid point, Robert. A chase at such speeds means two vehicles are going really, really fast. One difference is that law enforcement officers have the training to engage in such chases. And the training to know when not to engage. All we can do now is summarize the Game and Fish policy on pursuits and emergency responses.

Officers must use blue lights and sirens. They must alert by radio the Game and Fish telecommunications center and/or the county sheriff's office. During a pursuit or emergency, officers should consider public and personal safety. Consideration will be given to the type of crime believed to have been committed. Officers shall be continually cautious to protect the public. Extreme caution will be used at traffic control and populated areas.

Pursuit will be abandoned when the hazards of exposing the officer, his vehicle and the public to unnecessary danger exist; when weather and road conditions indicate the futility of pursuit; when the officer believes the vehicle is operated by a juvenile; or when ordered to cease by a superior officer.

We compared the Game and Fish policy with that of the Arkansas State Police. The latter is much more detailed, but many of the elements are the same.

Hey Guru of Roads: Just a reminder that a few years ago we had a cop killed on Interstate 40 near West Memphis. A Game and Fish officer responded to the call and trapped the father and son duo in a parking lot and put an end to the crisis. BTW, Game and Fish officers deal with people carrying guns every day. -- Razorback Lover

Another valid point.

Dear Sir: Please check with your vast network and ask why the I-40 rest areas at the White River were closed on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Compounding the mystery is that they were open on Thanksgiving Day. Thank you for your time and trouble. -- Too Late Now

Dear Late: No trouble for us, because we never left the mansion on Thanksgiving. Also, we have woods. That's where we send the grandkids.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation reports that it has sewer issues (problems? mishaps? calamities?) at those rest stops. Systems are being checked so that repairs may be made. No time schedule as to completion.

Vanity plate on a Toyota Avalon: DZNKIDS. Madam, there should be a statue. Of you.

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Metro on 12/02/2017

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