HD30 - Report of the Joint Subcommittee Studying the Advisability of High Speed Chases and Alternative Appropraches for Apprehending Speeding Motorists

  • Published: 1983
  • Author: Joint Subcommittee Studying the Advisability of High Speed Chases and Alternative Appropraches for Apprehending Speeding Motorists
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 68 (Regular Session, 1982)

Executive Summary:
In recognition of the dangers resulting from hot pursuit chases of speeding motorists, Delegate C. Richard Cranwell introduced House Joint Resolution No. 68 (Appendix A). The resolution was passed by the 1982 Session of the General Assembly. A joint subcommittee was appointed to study the advisability of high speed chases and to examine less dangerous alternatives for apprehending speeding motorists. Specifically, the joint subcommittee was directed to examine (i) the available statistical information regarding the number of accidents and injuries resulting from hot pursuit chases; (ii) the adequacy of training and instructions given to law enforcement officers for conducting high-speed chases; and (iii) the feasibility and desirability of implementing alternative methods for apprehending speeding motorists.

Delegates A. Victor Thomas, William A. Beeton, Jr., Gladys B. Keating and William F. Robinson were appointed to the subcommittee by the Chairman of the House Committee on Militia and Police. Senators William F. Parkerson, Dudley J. Emick, Jr. and Willard J. Moody were appointed to the subcommittee by the Chairman of the Senate Committee for Courts of Justice. In addition, the following law enforcement officers were appointed: Major C. M. Robinson (Virginia State Police); Colonel Leslie T. Sheppard (Henrico County Police); and Sheriff Carl T. Wells (Bedford, Virginia). Delegate Thomas was elected chairman of the Subcommittee. Senator Emick was elected vice-chairman. The subcommittee held two meetings in the summer and late fall of 1982 and a public hearing in Richmond on August 18, 1982.