Chicago police department stops foot pursuits for misdemeanor crimes, following Lightfoot order

The Chicago Police department has told officers they can no longer chase suspects in misdemeanor crimes or those who simply run away. 

The policy change was announced Tuesday and follows Democrat Mayor Lori Lightfoot demanded such a policy change afte two separate March 2021 pursuits resulted in fatal shootings.  

“The safety of our community members and our officers remain at the core of this new foot pursuit policy,” said policde Superintendent David Brown. 

The policy still allows officers to pursue suspects of, or those who are about to commit, felonies, Class A misdemeanors or a serious traffic offense that could risk injuring others. 

“People may avoid contact with a member for many reasons other than involvement in criminal activity,” the policy states. Officers are asked to “consider alternatives” when dealing with somebody who is “visibly armed.”