Police officers who chase criminals could face sack

Police officers who launch chases over roofs, railway lines and busy roads could be sacked for putting the health and safety of criminals at risk, it has emerged.

New Home Office proposals say that any officer who knowingly flouts guidelines designed to protect themselves and the public could face dismissal for "gross misconduct".

The suggested new rule has infuriated rank-and-file officers who feel that it amounts to a "criminal's charter".

The fear is that police will be too scared to give chase to a suspected thief, burglar or mugger because their own job could be at risk if anyone is injured.

Glen Smyth (left), chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: "Policing is a dangerous business. You simply cannot eliminate risk. If a suspect jumps into a river flowing faster than they realised and subsequently drowns, is that an officer's fault?

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