LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The dangers of police chases were recently highlighted during a string of chase-related deaths last year.
"Over a five day period there were seven people across the state of Kentucky who were killed in three separate accidents that involved police pursuits," Kentucky House representative, James Tipton, said.
Rep. Tipton tells LEX 18 that the parents of an 18-year-old, who was one of those killed, asked him to draft legislation ensuring similar tragedies would not happen again.
House Bill 298 aims to do just that by making Kentucky streets safer.
There are four main provisions of the bill:
- Officers will receive 4 hours of in-service training in "emergency vehicle operations"
- Suspend a person's driver's license for between 90 days and a year for fleeing police
- Require all law enforcement agencies report their pursuit policies to the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet
- Elected law enforcement officers cannot pursue a chase unless they receive the appropriate training and certifications
Tipton said he hopes to bring the bill to a committee hearing soon.
