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John Hollenhorst ReportingWhen a cop tries to pull someone over, he never knows what the driver will do. Will it be fight? Or flight? Or will the driver just fumble for his license and pull over? Some crooks, it seems, have a need for speed.
They say that crime does not pay, but crooks of a certain bent do get their rewards, psychologically.
Capt. Tracy Tingey, South Salt Lake P.D.: "It's about doing the criminal act, but it's also about the excitement."
In 20 years as a cop, Tracy Tingey has seen all kinds. He's seen hardened criminals just pull over and surrender, even with a car full of evidence.
Capt. Tracy Tingey: "That have just given up. And usually they're older and wiser and know that that's part of the game."
But for other crooks, usually the younger ones, it's flight or fight.
Capt. Tracy Tingey: "I know a lot of them live for confrontation. They will stop and fight right there."
Others like to peel out and let the chase begin.
Capt. Tracy Tingey: "They think they can outsmart the cops, plus they like the adrenaline rush."
Tingey thinks some people are criminals partly because they get their kicks on Route 66, or I-15 or wherever.
Capt. Tracy Tingey: "They may not have that specific mindset when they start out, but after the first incident where they have been chased or they nearly were caught and then got away, I think that adrenaline affects them. It's addictive. And it's not much different than our young police officers. They like the adrenaline rush too. As we get older, not so much."
Because of the obvious danger to innocent parties, most police departments have imposed tough restrictions on chases in recent years. They often decide to let the bad guy go, figuring they will get a second crack at them.
