Trying to elude police officers may seem like fun and games, but, as of June 1, Michigan offenders may land themselves a spot in the nearest penitentiary.
Public Act 587 of 1996, a new state of Michigan statute, increases the penalty for fleeing and eluding an officer from a misdemeanor to a felony.
The penalty's severity depends upon the chase's outcome. Failing to stop upon an officer's command results in two years imprisonment. However, if a death occurs from the chase, the penalty increases to a 15-year prison term.
Ann Arbor police Sgt. Richard Blake said the law has been a long time coming.
"When a person starts a chase, they put themselves in charge of a 3,000-pound weapon," Blake said. "Look at all the high speed chases where there have been injuries and death. I don't think a prison term is too harsh a punishment."
Incoming University student Andromache Mason shares Blake's view of toughening the certain penalties.
"Obviously, you're doing something wrong if you run from the cops," Mason said. "In cases where chases result in death and injury, I am very much in favor of the law."
But Mason did not wholeheartedly support the bill, expressing concern that the new penalties may be too severe.
"The law is a scare tactic and a way for officers to command respect, but I think two years imprisonment is pushing things a little too far," Mason said.
Doug Lewis, director of the University's Student Legal Services, said the statute will not affect most students.
"In my eight years here, I have seen one student charged with fleeing and eluding in a motor vehicle," Lewis said.
Nevertheless, the new law's enforcement is a dire concern for LSA senior Adam Burke.
"If you are actually running from the cops, the law is justified," Burke said. "But I don't think it's always clear whether you are fleeing or just finding a place to pull over."
Lewis said the new law is a way for the police to shift the blame of high-speed chases from themselves to offenders.
"The media spends a lot of time blaming cops for high-speed chases," Lewis said. "This new law puts the burden on the defendant instead."
Lewis sees merit in people's anxiety with regards to enforcement.
"I can see a felony if someone gets hurt, but I think it's extreme if someone doesn't pull over fast enough," Lewis said. "However, as in many other laws, the issue is not how the statute is written, but how it is applied."
Department of Public Safety Captain Terry Seames said the intent to flee and elude is clear cut.
"There are times people don't see an officer for a couple of blocks trying to pull them over," Seams said. "But it is pretty clear if someone keeps going and increases their speed they are trying to get away."
Lewis said that enforcement concerns could be minimized if students and officers both play their parts.
"Officers need to use their discretion wisely and not let this law become a big blanket without regard to individual circumstances," Lewis said. "(However,) if students see a cop wave at a red light, just pull over."