The San Diego Police Department is taking a look at its pursuit policy after a horrific crash that took the lives of two young boys.
In December of 2023, officers were trying to stop a speeding car when the driver crashed into another vehicle near 43rd Street and Interstate 805.
Four people were in the second car, including 8-year-old Malakai and 4-year-old Mason Arosco Romero.
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“It was brought to our attention in December by a community member,” said Gloria Tran, the chair of the Commission on Police Practices.
This is the first time the new Commission on Police Practices is taking on this issue.
“We hope to get testimony from residents who have issues with the way that police handle police pursuits, especially around their neighborhoods,” Tran said.
With tears in her eyes, Malakai and Mason's mother, Victoria, voiced her heartache through the family spokesperson.
"Every day, she struggles to survive. Every day, she wants those officers held accountable," Tasha Williamson, the family spokesperson and community activist, said. "If police had ended this pursuit and followed SDPD procedures, her sons would be alive today."
That concern is why Victoria and her family, some wearing shirts with the boys' faces on them, attended Wednesday night's meeting.
Here’s a look at SDPD’s current pursuit policy:
- INITIATING PURSUIT
An officer may initiate a pursuit when a vehicle fails to yield to a police vehicle operating with emergency lights and siren activated.
- PARTICIPATING IN PURSUIT
Only two units shall be actively involved in a pursuit unless a field supervisor, field lieutenant or the watch commander approved additional units.
Prior to pursuing a violator at high speeds, officers must evaluate the risks associated with operating the police vehicle(s) and the fleeing vehicle at high speeds nearby school zones, high pedestrian traffic areas, shopping center parking lots, public parks, street fairs and sporting events.
- TERMINATING PURSUIT
Officers involved in a pursuit have the responsibility to terminate the pursuit when the benefits of immediate apprehension are outweighed by the hazards of continuing the pursuit.
“How do police pursuits affect you?" Tran said. "Are you concerned about walking in the middle of the street and thinking you’re going to be caught in a police pursuit?"
The commission said change won’t happen overnight.
“We understand it’s going to be a process, and we understand it’s going to take time, but tonight is the first step and we think that’s really important,” Tran said.
Tran said the commission's main goal is to prioritize public safety.
“That’s the bottom line for us: What’s going to keep the community and offices safe,” Tran said.
The commission says the chief of police was advised by lawyers not to attend Wednesday's meeting. A spokesperson for the department did not comment.
The commission is scheduled to meet again in two weeks to consider hiring a policy advisor to help examine pursuit procedures.
