Independence Considers Changing Police Pursuit Policy After Record Chases and Fatalities

The city council discusses new pursuit policy options after a deadly New Year's Eve chase

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Independence Police Department's chase policy was the main topic at a city council study session on Monday night. This comes after a police chase on New Year's Eve ended in a fatal wreck that killed one person and injured three others. The city is considering two policy changes - keeping the current discretionary policy with more supervisor oversight, or restricting pursuits to only dangerous felonies.

Why it matters

Independence has seen a record number of police chases in 2025, with 541 initiated and 268 continued pursuits - the highest since 2022. This has led to 131 felony charges, 66 incidents with armed suspects, and 2 suspect and 1 civilian fatality. Community members are calling for action to address the high number of chases for minor offenses that have resulted in tragic outcomes.

The details

In 2025, Independence police initiated 541 pursuits, with 51% terminated. The 268 continued pursuits were the highest since 2022. This resulted in 131 felony charges, 66 incidents with armed suspects, 2 suspect fatalities, and 1 civilian fatality. The police department is considering two policy changes - keeping the current discretionary policy with more supervisor oversight, or restricting pursuits to only dangerous felonies. The second option is consistent with recommendations from a 2025 national audit and other regional agencies.

  • On New Year's Eve, a police chase ended in a fatal wreck that killed one person and injured three others.
  • In 2025, Independence police initiated a record 541 pursuits, with 268 continued pursuits - the highest since 2022.

The players

Independence Police Department

The police department in Independence, Missouri that is considering changes to its pursuit policy after a record number of chases and fatalities in 2025.

Jason White

A former Independence city council member who has been pushing for a policy change, stating "We've had way too many [pursuits], we've gone way too fast for innocuous, little offenses and we've had tragedies."

Douglas Brinkley

The Interim Police Chief of the Independence Police Department, who is leaning towards the more restrictive pursuit policy option that would only allow chases for dangerous felonies.

Rory Rowland

The Mayor of Independence, who expressed concerns that changing the pursuit rules could impact crime levels in the community.

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What they’re saying

“We've had way too many [pursuits], we've gone way too fast for innocuous, little offenses and we've had tragedies. So something is broken.”

— Jason White, Former Independence City Council Member (KSHB)

“I'm always cautious if we're pursuing for minor traffic violations. Is it worth putting the officer's life in danger, pursuing the person in danger and also the general public?”

— Douglas Brinkley, Interim Police Chief, Independence Police Department (KSHB)

“No one wants a fatality, but no one wants to suffer serious crimes because they changed the policy.”

— Rory Rowland, Mayor of Independence (KSHB)

What’s next

The Independence City Manager will ultimately make the decision on the police department's new pursuit policy.

The takeaway

This case highlights the difficult balance between public safety and police accountability when it comes to high-speed chases. Independence must carefully weigh the risks of pursuits for minor offenses against the potential impact on crime rates in order to develop an effective and responsible pursuit policy.