Chief Norman says MPD is looking into potential alternatives to pursuits

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- At least nine people have been killed in police chase-related crashes in Milwaukee this year. 

Five of those deaths happened as police were chasing a reckless driver. 

That issue was front and center during a town hall with local leaders Tuesday night. While addressing the state of MPD's current pursuit policy, Chief Jeffrey Norman called it a complicated issue.

"There's that balancing act of you're damned if you do, you're damned if you don't," Norman said. "Our public still wants us to pursue because they don't want to see the alternative of what it used to look like, when there was just no respect or regard for anything going on in our city. So, it's a hard conversation."

Chief Norman adds that the department is looking into potential alternatives, including things like StarChase technology or even drones. But he says cost concerns are still being worked out among department and city leaders.