OHP ready to help, if asked

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has changed how it deals with pursuits that are initiated by other law enforcement agencies. OHP troopers will now assist other agencies only after being asked to help.

These requests can come from officers who work for the other agencies, or through their dispatch centers. But simply being notified that a chase is under way “shall not be construed as a request for OHP assistance,” according to the new order. Patrol officials said the change has been considered for some time, and that there wasn’t one specific incident that prompted the change.

“It’s a good policy. It’s something we’ve needed for a long time,” OHP spokesman Capt. Chris West tells the Tulsa World.

Pursuits can be dangerous for all vehicles involved and for motorists not involved. If this change helps reduce that, it will have been worth it.