I've had a word with my brother who is a rozzer (but not a traffic one tbh) and he says that as far as he's aware they need clearance from the duty traffic officer at HQ to commence a high speed chase though 99.9% of the time that's a given.

As for folk being in danger, when the guy is already travelling at 135mph in a built up area which is how I read it, then he already is a danger to the public so chasing and attempting to stop him is the only option.

3-55 AM mate. Get your facts right

Surprisingly for a Cas fan I do agree with a lot of your posts. I agree with this one whole heartedly as well but its the first time I've realised you have a sense of humour and it made me laugh.

At the commencement of a pursuit, all officers get officially reminded of their obligations under the pursuit criteria...Initial Phase Pursuit for standard driving permits (beat officers) and T-Pac authority for Advanced (Traffic) permits. The pursuing officer has then to keep the control room supervisor informed as to the safety and progress of the pursuit (via the radio) as it continues. If the pursuit AT ANY TIME becomes unsafe, then either party must abort the pursuit. The helicopter frequently assists, obviously, so this provides a live downlink to the control room supervisor who can then view the pursuit in live time and we have now got a new in-car CCTV system that can also provide a live link to the control room too.
Suffice to say that safety is paramount at all times but the risk threat can change in an instant and that's when people can get hurt.

That's incorrect Vasty...if the pursuit becomes too dangerous, then it will be aborted by either the control room supervisor or the pursuing officer, otherwise the pursuing officer could also be deemed to be driving dangerously and could also be liable to prosecution !!. In aborting the pursuit, the responsibility is then placed back solely on the fleeing driver.

I've pulled quite a few but all have been told to get off the road and acquire some lights and hi-vis clothing

Correct

Can't get unfortunately, Mother's Day commitments... but I can arrange for someone to intercept you on the way home

This was not his only interaction with Police around the time either. The lad has got issues & should engage with the available agencies whilst in Prison.