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Mayor resinds "No Chase" policy
(Wellford, SC)—Wellford Mayor Sallie Peake is rescinding her controversial “no chase†policy, saying she is following the example of an embattled South Carolina congressman.
“I’m like Joe Wilson,“ says Peake. “He was forced to apologize. I’m changing (the policy) not because I want to, but because I’ve been asked to.“
Three weeks ago, Peake sent a memo to all Wellford police officers which says: “As of this date, there are to be no more foot chases when a suspect runs. I do not want anyone chasing after any suspects whatsoever.“
She said she did this because officers kept getting injured during chases, costing the small town too much money in insurance.
But on Thursday, Peake said she has decided to rescind the policy after talking to 7th Circuit Solicitor Trey Gowdy, who she considers a close friend. She says Gowdy sent her a letter saying he is concerned about the impact her policy could have on the community. Read the letter.
She called him on Wednesday and they talked.
“It places officers in an impossible and untenable position to not be able to pursue fleeing felons,“ said Gowdy.
He said he drafted the letter to Peake after police officers came to talk to him, expressing concern because Peake’s policy conflicts with their sworn duty to uphold the law. He would not say if the officers work for Wellford.
“It just hamstrings law enforcement in a way that I really don’t think Mayor Peake intended,“ said Gowdy.
Peake said she has asked the city’s attorney to draft a new policy that will rescind the current order and allow officers to once again pursue suspects on foot.
“They can run, jump, climb trees, tumble, wreck cars, whatever they want to do,“ said Peake.
But she’s not apologizing for anything she said last Friday in her fiery interview with WSPA which has been shown on CNN and many other affiliates around the country.
“I meant what I said, and I say what I mean, and I stand by it!“ said Peake.
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