CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Hickory family is pushing to enact a no-chase policy across North Carolina, getting thousands of signatures in support. This comes after they lost loved ones in a car collision during a police chase last year.
Right now chase policies in North Carolina differ and are based on a variety of factors.
"I've looked at different policies all over the state, it varies, a blanket statement would cripple some people," North Carolina State Representative Nasif Majeed said.
Majeed said chase policies are not one-size-fits-all and may differ depending on many factors, like police departments and population. And while it's not impossible to get a statewide no-chase policy enforced, those varying factors could make it more difficult.
The first step is getting a legislator to draft a bill.
"Once the bill is drafted, you have to go before the committees," Majeed said. "The various committees will review the bill and they probably will get input from various agencies like the Sheriffs Association and diverse police departments."
Majeed said while some departments may be in favor of the idea, it may conflict with others which could be the biggest barrier to getting a no-chase policy across the state approved.
"They don't like to push blanket policy because there's so many variations," said Majeed. "Legislators listen to a lot of the legal associations, law associations, department, various police departments, and they will really lean on their expertise."
Majeed said once the bill gets input from various agencies, the next steps would be for the House and the Senate to vote on the bill. If passed in both chambers, the bill would go to the governor's desk.
Tradesha Woodard: Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.