OAKLAND — The Oakland police chief will once again ask to change a policy that requires officers to receive permission before they pursue suspected criminals through the city’s streets at high speeds, often endangering innocent bystanders .

Chief Floyd Mitchell has sought to loosen the restrictions over the past year, with encouragement from Gov. Gavin Newsom, who agrees that the policy limits the Oakland Police Department’s ability to track down suspects soon after crimes have occurred.

The rules, which currently apply to vehicle pursuits at speeds over 50 miles per hour, were tightened by ex-Chief LeRonne Armstrong in 2022, eight years after a prior chief had first disallowed pursuits except for suspects in serious or violent offenses.

Earlier this year, Michell suggested changing

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