Connecticut considers restrictions on police chases

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut officials are considering restricting when police statewide can chase motor vehicles in response to what appears to be an increase in dangerous pursuits, including several that ended with deaths or serious injuries over the past few years.

State public safety Commissioner James Rovella and state Rep. Joe Verrengia led efforts to create a working group to review the state's 19-year-old police pursuit policy and produce a report by October. The panel is expected to begin meeting next month and include police officials, community leaders and civil rights advocates.

The current policy leaves it to an officer's discretion, with consideration of potential danger to the public.

The working group is expected to consider limiting chases to the most serious felonies, as many towns and cities in other states have done.