I am among the citizens at risk when this sort of thing happens so I think my opinion is valid regardless of what the police may think. I simply fail to see the need for high speed chases in heavy traffic on public streets when almost all of them end up in serious crashes.

I suspect opinions would change if the TV shows/newspapers/etc discussed the aftermath and detailed the cost of the crime as opposed to the cost of the damages/injuries directly and indirectly resulting from the chase.

Regarding your last point, I would certainly hope the folks on the forum could debate this or any other issue without animosity or hurt feelings - there is nothing personal in a difference of opinion.