Vehicle Pursuit 314

Question 1

Factors to consider when deciding to initiate pursuit

Answer 1

1. Seriousness of crime and relationship to community safety
2. Importance of protecting public and need for immediate capture vs risk to officers, motorists, and others
3. Nature of fleeing suspect (does he pose a serious threat)
4. Identity of suspect verified and risk in apprehending suspect later
5. Safety of public in pursuit area; type of area, time of day, amount of vehicular and ped traffic and speed of pursuit relative to these factors
6. Pursuing officers familiarity with pursuit area, radio communications between pursuing units and dispatch, driving capabilities of pursuing officers under conditions
7. Weather, traffic, and road conditions
8. Capabilities of vehicles
9. Vehicle speeds
10. Other people in pursued vehicle
11. Availability of other resources (air support)
12. Police unit is carrying passengers other than police officers

Question 2

When to terminate pursuit

Answer 2

1. When danger of continuing pursuit outweighs danger of suspect escaping
2. Distance between pursuing officers and fleeing vehicle is so great that continuing would prolong pursuit for an unreasonable time and/or distance
3. Pursuing officer’s vehicle sustains any damage that renders it unsafe to drive
4. Extended pursuits violators for traffic violations or misdemeanors not involving violence or serious harm discouraged
5. Hazards to uninvolved bystanders or motorists
6. If identity of offender is known and it doesn’t appear the risks connected with postponing arrest outweigh the risk of continuing pursuit
7. Directed by supervisor

Question 3

When to terminate high speed pursuits

Answer 3

1. Speeds become unreasonably unsafe for conditions
2. Speeds exceed driving ability of the officer
3. Speeds are beyond capabilities of pursuit vehicle

Question 4

Primary unit responsibilities

Answer 4

Notify Communications center:
1. Reason for pursuit

2. Location and direction of travel
3. Speed of fleeing vehicle
4. Description of fleeing vehicle and license number
5. Number of known occupants
6. Identity or description of known occupants
7. Information on firearms, threat of force, injuries, hostages or other unusual hazards
8. Broadcasting, unless relieved by supervisor or secondary unit

Question 5

Secondary unit responsibilities

Answer 5

1. Immediately notify dispatch of entry into pursuit
2. Remain safe distance behind primary pursuit unit unless directed to assume primary role
3. Broadcasting progress of pursuit

Question 6

When to initiate a vehicle pursuit

Answer 6

When it’s reasonable to believe a suspect is evading arrest or detention by fleeing in a vehicle