Prince George's Adopts Zoey's Law Restricting Vehicle Pursuits

The County Council’s NewsFlash published Jan. 2 outlined the new pursuit policy, known as Zoey's Law (CB-61-2025), which took effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Under the ordinance, vehicle pursuits will be limited to incidents involving serious felonies, administrative oversight of pursuits will be strengthened, and annual reporting on pursuits will be required. County officials framed the law as a step to bolster public safety and oversight of law enforcement activity.

The change affects how local police departments respond to fleeing vehicles and is likely to alter day-to-day operational decisions by officers. Restricting pursuits to serious felonies is intended to reduce the number of high-speed chases that can endanger bystanders, drivers, and officers, while the added oversight and mandatory reporting are designed to increase transparency and provide elected officials and the public with regular data on pursuit incidents and outcomes.

For residents, the most immediate effects may be fewer police chases through neighborhoods and greater visibility into when and why pursuits occur. Annual reports on pursuits should allow community members and the County Council to track trends, assess policy implementation, and evaluate whether the new rules are meeting safety and accountability goals. Strengthened administrative oversight may also change internal review procedures and disciplinary paths within county law enforcement agencies.

The NewsFlash also included procedural information about council business, including timelines related to filling a vacant District 6 seat and a notice that the council will hold a virtual meeting on Jan. 9 to make an appointment. That appointment could influence the council’s balance on future votes and its oversight role. The NewsFlash functions as a central official channel for legislative notices and statements from council members; residents seeking the full text of the posting or further details can view it at pgccouncil.us/m/NewsFlash.

Zoey's Law arrives amid broader local and national conversations about policing tactics, risk management, and public trust. By narrowing pursuit criteria and increasing reporting, Prince George's County is joining other jurisdictions that are recalibrating law enforcement practices to balance enforcement with community safety. Residents interested in the Jan. 9 appointment or in reviewing the first annual pursuit reports should follow County Council notices and participate in virtual meetings to monitor how the new rules are implemented.