The aftermath of crashes involving Georgia State Patrol pursuits. Photos: John Spink/AJC and Channel 2 Action News
A review of data found that the Georgia State Patrol was involved in more than 6,700 vehicle pursuits, and more than half ended in crashes that caused injuries and deaths, according to the first in a series of investigations by the AJC.
Why it matters: Georgia has the worst death rate stemming from police pursuits in the country, and the agency's "aggressive tactics and loose chase policy contribute significantly to this grim ranking," the AJC reports.
By the numbers: More than 3,400 crashes from those chases — which often stem from misdemeanors or traffic violations — resulted in the deaths of 63 people and injuries to at least 1,900 people between 2019 and 2023, the AJC found.
Stunning stat: Bystanders and passengers were the people who were most likely to be harmed during pursuits, and in 2023, chases initiated by troopers occurred on all but 14 days.
What they're saying: State Patrol spokesperson Michael Burns told the AJC that its policy is based on court rulings, state and federal law, training and "sound principles of law enforcement."
"Every life is precious, and any life lost during the course of ensuring public safety is tragic and heartbreaking," he said. "The Department of Public Safety protects Georgians by ensuring our members use good judgment and act within the bounds of policy and law."
The other side: University of South Carolina professor Geoff Alpert told the AJC that he thinks the agency's culture contributes to the high number of pursuits.
"There's no gray in it. 'You run from me I'm going to get you. I'm going to teach you a lesson.'"
