News Copters Could Be Distanced From Pursuits

Alarmed that network executives are resisting requests by the Los Angeles Police Department to reduce televised coverage of car chases, City Councilman Dennis Zine proposed Thursday that news helicopters be banned from within five miles of a police pursuit.

Zine, a former police sergeant, said chase coverage is a threat to public safety.

He proposed that a task force of city officials, police representatives and news organizations be formed to consider the ban and other ideas.

“We need to establish an ‘aerial crime scene’ that prevents non-law enforcement vehicles from entering the area, just as we do at a ground crime scene on the streets of this city,” Zine said.

He said he will introduce a council motion on the proposal today.