Unit 8: Law, Courts, and Procedure

Pursuit Driving

Successful pursuit and apprehension of moving vehicles with blue lights and siren is a difficult and
dangerous task. You must be aware of the civil liability aspects involved in the use of your emergency equipment. Both state law and departmental policy affects your emergency driving. Moral obligation also enters into it, for as we have pointed out, a motor vehicle is a deadly weapon.

Most of the people who flee from a police cruiser are not dangerous felons. Many police chases involve only minor violations, but it is a reality that lives are lost, serious injuries are sustained, and thousands of dollars worth of equipment are destroyed during attempts to apprehend fleeing violators. In the heat of the chase, the violator refuses to give up, arid the officer refuses to terminate the pursuit. The results are often tragic and never worth the cost.

All law enforcement officers want to apprehend violators. You should not, however, expect to pursue a person or vehicle to the point where the life of the officer, the violator, or an innocent third person is placed in jeopardy.

The first consideration during any pursuit is the necessity for it, and the present dangers involved. It is unwise to pursue a minor traffic violator through heavily congested traffic, or in an area which is heavily populated and used by children at play.