Denver police should follow the example of leading police departments across the country that forbid officers from shooting at or from a moving vehicle in almost all instances.
This is becoming policy around the country and has been a frequent recommendation from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Within the last seven months, Denver police have shot at cars four times — killing two people.
shot and killed unarmed 17-year-old Jessica Hernandez in a Park Hill alley as she was behind the wheel of a stolen car. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
Police say that in each of the recent shootings, the vehicle was being used as a weapon.
is reviewing the shootings and independent monitor Nick Mitchell has launched an investigation into the department’s policy, which now allows officers to shoot at cars if they have “reasonable belief” that the vehicle poses “an immediate threat of death or physical injury.”
Shooting at vehicles creates an unreasonable risk. Missed shots can hit bystanders or passengers. Even if effective, the shots can disable the driver, making the car potentially even more dangerous.
Modern police practices now urge officers to not put themselves in the path of a vehicle that can pose a risk and to not shoot unless someone inside the vehicle is shooting at them.
The Police Executive Research Forum — a think tank on police issues — recommends prohibiting shooting at cars unless deadly force is being used “by means other than the moving vehicle.”
Since 1972, when New York City stopped shooting at cars, no officer has lost his or her life by being struck by a vehicle, says the Police Executive Research Forum.
The Justice Department, in reviewing use-of-force policies in Cleveland and has recommended those cities adopt policies against shooting at cars. Denver should, too.
Four incidents in seven months suggest something is wrong. Chief White should put a stop to this unsafe practice once and for all.
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