Newsom encourages more police chases. According to the media, Gavin Newsom pleaded with state officials to modify their policies regarding car chases as the crime spree continued to escalate. In a letter, Newsom urged the City of Oakland's Mayor, police department, and council to take a tougher position against crime and pursue criminals who run from officers. Newsom emphasized that their are current policies that forbids such activities; There are certain conditions under which suspects can be pursued. Oakland, whose restricted pursuit strategy is an exception in the state, just permits pursuits in instances of "rough effective violations"