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JinnKai, you're forgetting something. The officer also has a very important CHOICE as to whether to initiate a chase. Not all offenses warrant a high speed pursuit. It's just not safe.
In Canada, the courts have ruled that the police DO INDEED have a CHOICE as to whether to pursue or not. For the reasons you state...
The police have the safety of the public as one of their primary mandates. A car, while travelling 90+ KpH is a missile of death in the wrong hands. This choice is based upon perceived threat. For instance: Is it better to let one guy who runs a red light get away, or pursue him through busy urban streets and put the lives of innocent bystanders at risk.
The Crown has precedent of laying criminal proceedings against police officers who initiate high speed pursuits without grounds, and in doing so cause the death of innocent bystanders.
It's seen as a partial joint responsibility. Is it fair? I think so. It's just as easy to get a liscence number and pursue ALTERNATE means for conflict resolution that don't involve threat of grievous bodily harm to innocent people.
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Feh.
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