PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — At least 40 people died in Florida police pursuits between 2020 and 2024, according to a recent analysis of federal crash data, renewing debate over when officers should pursue fleeing suspects and when the risks to the public outweigh the need for an immediate arrest.
The Tampa Bay Times analysis examined data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and found pursuit-related deaths occurred across Florida during the four-year period. National policing experts say the true number of pursuits, crashes and injuries is likely higher because no comprehensive national database tracks them.
The discussion comes after Florida Highway Patrol revised its pursuit policy in late 2023, with the updated policy taking effect and later being codified in a March 2024 revision, expanding trooper discretion in pursuit decisions…