Over the past few days, media coverage of police chasing dangerous felons in the  southland have put thousands of people, including dozens of police officers, in  extreme danger. Police chases and the aftermath are certainly newsworthy, but  the recent live television coverage has had the feel of a sporting event – with  accompanying colorful commentary. In these situations, the responsibility lies  with the suspect for not submitting to arrest, the public to stay out of the  way, the officers to use good judgment when in pursuit and the media to limit  its coverage. We aren’t questioning the news value – when it’s over – and in  some cases as a warning for public safety, but many times, and clearly in the  latest incident, live coverage endangers the public.

BC Talks to Union President @ 1:20 on This Issue