Kristie's Law will save lives

As we wait for our state legislators to pass preventative measures to change California's outdated and dangerous pursuit practices, more and more innocent people are reported killed and injured in California pursuits. Advocates believe deaths and injuries to innocent victims of pursuit are greatly underreported.




Senator Sam Aanestad, R-Grass Valley, released the final language for Kristie's Law early this morning, April 20, 2005. The document, which may be accessed here, Kristie's Law, sets a standard statewide pursuit policy for all law enforcement agencies in California to follow.

There are two key provisions to Senator Aanestad's legislation regarding police pursuits in California:

2833. (a) A peace officer may initiate a motor vehicle pursuit when he or she has a reasonable suspicion that a fleeing suspect has committed or has attempted to commit a violent felony, as described in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 of the Penal Code.

(b) A peace officer shall not initiate a motor vehicle pursuit when he or she has a reasonable suspicion that a fleeing suspect has committed other felonies, not described in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 of the Penal Code, misdemeanors, or traffic or civil infractions.

The bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Committee on Public Safety this Tuesday, April 26th. The committee, which meets in Room 4203 of the State Capitol, is scheduled to meet at 8:45 AM. Kristie's Law is just one SEVERAL bills that committee members will hear on that day.

Senator Aanestad says meetings with local law enforcement and statewide law enforcement organizations carried great weight in the crafting of pursuit related legislation.

For more information about Kristie's Law, or to schedule an interview with Senator Aanestad, please contact Communications Director Bill Bird at (916) 445-3353 or (916) 651-4203.