Oakland police can now start pursuits at any speed, with permission, after policy change

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Oakland police will now be allowed to start a chase at any speed, in a big change to the department's pursuit policy.

The police commission unanimously approved the change Thursday night.

While officers can start a pursuit at any speed, there are restrictions.

Officers must consider the risk factors and also must get permission from a supervisor.

The policy change is a big win for Police Chief Floyd Mitchell, who's been pushing to loosen restrictions with the support of Governor Newsom.

MORE: Here's why Gov. Newsom is urging Oakland to update strict police pursuit policy

They argue that the previous policy was too restrictive.

During public comment on Thursday, many were opposed to the change.

"Everybody knows these streets in Oakland are small streets, the infrastructure is terrible, there would be deaths all over the place and we can't afford that," one person said.

"There is a crime problem in Oakland, but taking away accountability and transparency and supervisors' prior permission to engage in these chases is not how we go about it," another said.

The police commission chair says criminals are aware that police have pursuit restrictions.

Chief Mitchell told Oaklandside that he does not support modifying the police chase policy for car thefts, commercial burglaries and other property crimes.

The original policy was put in place in 2022, after OPD had an unusually high number of chases. There were around 130 that year.

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