The Post & Courier’s recent editorial criticizing police pursuits is emblematic of a troubling trend in public discourse — one that prioritizes sensationalism and fear over facts and fairness. While it is undeniable that pursuits can be dangerous, they are also necessary. Law enforcement officers do not engage in pursuits recklessly; they undergo rigorous annual training to ensure these actions are conducted as safely as possible. However, the editorial’s call for blanket restrictions on pursuits ignores the broader societal implications of abandoning enforcement in favor of leniency.

The Necessity of Pursuits

The editorial correctly notes that the initial reason for a pursuit is often a traffic violation. However, what it fails to acknowledge is that these stops frequently uncover more serious offenses. Drivers who flee from law enforcement often do so because they are concealing something far more significant than a minor infraction — outstanding warrants, stolen vehicles, illegal substances, or firearms. Ignoring these underlying issues by discouraging pursuits does not make society safer; it emboldens criminals, signaling that lawlessness has minimal consequences.

Director Jackie Swindler of the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy made an excellent point about the need for increased penalties for those who instigate police chases. Stronger deterrents would make it clear that endangering public safety by fleeing law enforcement is unacceptable. When offenders know there are severe repercussions for running, they are less likely to take the risk. This is the kind of proactive approach that enhances public safety — not undermining officers’ ability to enforce the law.

The Danger of Relaxing Enforcement

Society is built on laws, and those laws are meaningless if not enforced. The Post & Courier’s suggestion that pursuits should only occur under extremely limited circumstances — essentially giving offenders a free pass to evade police — would undermine the rule of law. When criminals know they won’t be pursued, they become emboldened. We’ve seen this dynamic play out in other states where lax policies on retail theft and other “petty crimes” have led to significant spikes in criminal activity. The same logic applies here: if offenders believe they can escape without consequence, the likelihood of apprehension plummets, and criminal behavior rises.

The standards governing police pursuits are not arbitrary; they are carefully developed and regularly reviewed to balance public safety with the need to apprehend offenders. The editorial’s implication that law enforcement operates without accountability disregards these established safeguards and ignores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to refine their policies and training.

A Broader Problem with Public Discourse

The Post & Courier’s editorial is part of a larger, troubling pattern of media outlets attacking law enforcement at every turn. These constant criticisms erode public trust in police, making an already difficult job even harder. They also contribute to the recruitment crisis facing departments across the country. Why would anyone want to join a profession that is so relentlessly vilified by those who rely on its protection?

Officers are human. They make difficult, split-second decisions in highly stressful situations. Instead of acknowledging these realities, publications like The Post & Courier seize every opportunity to highlight imperfections, often ignoring the context or the good work officers do daily to keep communities safe.

A Call for Support

What South Carolina law enforcement needs is support, not a constant stream of criticism. Police pursuits are not conducted lightly or without consideration for public safety, but they are necessary to uphold the law and maintain order. Rather than vilifying officers who risk their lives to protect others, we should focus on holding offenders accountable and creating an environment where law enforcement is empowered to do its job effectively.

It is time for the media and the public to recognize that law enforcement is not the enemy. If we want safer communities, we must support those who dedicate their lives to achieving that goal — not undermine them at every turn.