The Essex County prosecutor’s office is investigating the death of an East Orange man who was struck and killed during a high speed police chase. What is local police policy on vehicular pursuit and does it put innocent bystanders at risk?

New Jersey police policy set by the state attorney general’s office clearly leaves the decision to pursue at the discretion of the officer. Thomas O’Reilly, director of the police institute at Rutgers, says there is no clear cut formula in assessing the risks involved.

“was the officer reasonably adhering to what guidelines have been issued, did the officer reasonably take into consideration the risk in terms of pedestrians or other drivers against the backdrop of the nature of the alleged offense.”

O’Reilly says anything an officer does is based on their training and judgment, as well as the supervision of their commanding officer.