Community advocates are calling for reforms to the Georgia State Patrol’s pursuit policies following the death of 19-year-old Cooper Schoenke in a high-speed chase. Schoenke was killed when a speeding driver refused to stop, ran a red light, and collided with Schoenke’s vehicle. Advocates gathered in Little Five Points to urge Gov. Brian Kemp to implement changes to the pursuit policies, including restricting high-speed chases to cases involving violent felonies and requiring supervisory approval before initiating a pursuit.
Devin Barrington-Ward from the National Police Accountability Project, along with other community leaders, emphasized the need for accountability and reform in law enforcement. They criticized Governor Kemp’s response to the incident, as he failed to mention Schoenke’s name and instead blamed the suspect. The group is urging Kemp and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Chris Wright to bypass the legislative process and implement these reforms immediately.
Recent data shows that GSP has engaged in over 6,700 pursuits over the past five years, resulting in numerous injuries and deaths of innocent bystanders. The driver responsible for Schoenke’s death faces multiple charges, including felony murder and reckless driving. Community advocates are demanding for changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future and to ensure the safety of both law enforcement officers and the public.
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