Harsh Sentences Would Halt Chases

Now some people want to prohibit police chases (“Crash Underlines Doubts About High-Speed Chases,” Dec. 25). Anything to make it easy for the bad guys. As it is, the law already encourages crooks to run. They have little to lose, they often get away, and they make $4 million. If they can’t be chased, things get even better for them--the odds of escaping go up to almost 100%. If chasing is prohibited you know that everyone, including kids out for a thrill, will run and that sometimes the crook getting away will be a serial killer or equal.

Prohibiting chases is exactly the wrong answer. To solve the problem, make any attempt to escape arrest punishable by at least a fixed 20-year sentence--no exceptions, no excuses, no concurrent sentences and no parole. That should almost stop running, and you know that anyone who does run has done something really bad. Of course the ACLU will scream bloody murder, claiming the sentence is too severe. I never could understand why any sentence for a crime that is deliberately committed is too severe. The crook has a choice. If the sentence is too severe, just don’t commit the crime.

JOHN HAMAKER

Laguna Niguel