By Taylor Chartrand

Suspects seem to be fleeing police more frequently

Feb 21, 2019 | 8:36 PM

Medicine Hat, AB – Over the past week, police say they have had 4 cases where suspects have fled from officers, which has put the public at some risk.

Police Chief Andy McGrogran says unfortunately, this is becoming a more popular trend across the province.

“In the old days somebody ran and we chased,” explained McGrogran. “We’re much more strategic now.”

McGrogran used the example of an incident where someone may have stolen a $4,000 vehicle.

“It’s a theft under ($5,000). So, what risk do we put our community in? Our officers are asked to make some really tough, on-the-spot judgement calls and we have supervisors that are monitoring the calls and all that kind of thing.”

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McGrogran says it simply comes down to balance.

If a situation were to get out of hand and a person could potentially cause serious safety concerns, McGrogran says officers would re-evaluate the situation.

“We have a policy in place and we have different levels of response. So, we just follow the policy. We have a sergeant and a staff-sergeant that are monitoring those calls and you know, what’s it worth to catch a guy whose committed a theft under?”