#1 High Speed Chases

Unless it is in pursuit of someone who has or is about to do physical harm to a another person, why endanger our officers and the population in the area of the chase? How do we justify putting our officers and our civilians in jeopardy over stolen property. With modern technology there is no reason to chase. There are non-lethal means to follow suspects like red light cameras, security cameras, stops etc.

Is it a matter of police ego?
Is it a matter of finally being able to drive as fast as the patrol car can go?
Is it giving into the adrenalin rush of predator vs. prey?

#2 Who Should Authorize High Speed Chases?

I can answer this one. It should be anyone besides the officers involved in answering the call. Or
It could be as simple as answering a couple of questions:
#1. Has a person been injured or about to be injured?
If the answer is yes, go to question #2.
#2. Would high speed pursuit increase the possibility of injury to officers and civilians?
If the answer is yes, do not pursue high speed chase but continue to follow at a distance which will not encourage the accused to speed. Use other police procedures to apprehend.

Comments, discussions, etc. appreciated.