Guilford County Sheriff Introduces New Vehicle Pursuit Training Program

New policy changes are in store for Guilford County law enforcement officers. The news comes in the wake of a deadly high-speed chase in Greensboro.

It was two months ago when a driver fled an officer at speeds approaching 130 mph and crashed into another vehicle. That accident left five people dead. It also led Guilford County Sheriff BJ Barnes to review his department's chase policy.

He's now initiating a new vehicle pursuit training program. Barnes says the revised policy focuses on public safety. Additional classroom hours will be provided for officers. Deputy training will emphasize the balance between the immediate need to engage in pursuit driving and the risk of injury or harm to the public that could result.

But Barnes adds that his deputies will still have discretion to initiate chases for a wide range of crimes.