During a recent ACRB Know Your Rights Training Workshop for young adults, a participant wanted to know more about why he should never run from law enforcement. Our short response was, “The odds are, it will not go well for you”. Whether on the road or the streets, the statistics speak for themselves. It escalates tension and danger when officers must conduct foot and car chases. The potential for increased force involved in car chases has caused some jurisdictions to reconsider their pursuit policies in certain communities.
A study of pursuit scenarios and various state laws reveals the following:
- Running from the police, whether on foot or in a vehicle, leads to high rates of crashes (30%) or apprehension.
- Fleeing often results in additional felonies or misdemeanors, from significant jail time to license suspension.
Outcome Rates: Approximately 30% of suspects who flee crash, 30% stop, and 25% are documented to have outrun the police.
- Demographics: The majority (94%) of those fleeing are male, with an average age of 26.
- Reasons for Fleeing: Common reasons include driving a stolen vehicle (32%), suspended license (27%), or driving under the influence (21%).
- Legal Penalties: In many jurisdictions, fleeing is a "wobbler" offense (can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor), leading to charges like "evading an officer" or "resisting arrest".
- Sentencing: In Georgia, a first offense can lead to 10 days to 1 year in jail, with potential felony charges ranging from 1 to 5 years in prison.
Why People Flee
According to studies of suspected perceptions from the Federal Bureau of Investigation:
- 32% were driving a stolen vehicle.
- 27% had a suspended license.
- 27% wanted to avoid arrest for another crime.
- 21% were driving under the influence.
Legal Consequences
Running often turns a minor infraction into a major offense. Common charges include:
- Resisting Arrest
- Assault on a Police Officer
- Felony Eluding: Often applied if the suspect acted with "willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property".
In short, regardless of your concern about prior bad acts; fear of police; or a natural inclination to flee, don’t do it! Whatever the situation, the outcome will not likely give you an advantage. It will only make matters worse.