High speed car chases are unanimously dreaded by police departments in our area.
They are very dangerous and run the risk of injuring or even killing innocent bystanders.
While the Scott County Sheriff's Department can not prevent chases, it can train officers to better prepare for them.
That is why they hosted a weeklong seminar on high speed pursuits at the Armory in Davenport.
"It's important for those officers to be able to handle that vehicle, to understand the limits and capabilities of that vehicle, and negotiate getting safely to their scenes," Sgt. Jeff Swanson told KWQC.
Swanson is leading the effort to refresh high speed safety in the minds of deputies.
The seminar allows for officers to practice their multitasking abilities, including operating the radio with the siren on.
"This is a lot about multi tasking, it's about the ability to drive and pay attention," Deputy Dwight West said.
Last year 41 police officers died as a result of high speed pursuits.
Each state is different when it comes to criteria for pursuing a suspect. Iowa requires officers to only chase suspects involved in sexual assault, murder, kidnapping, or other level one felonies like burglary.
