Unit 8: Law, Courts, and Procedure

Pursuit Tactics

During a. pursuit, the police radio should be used to its fullest, informing the dispatcher and other units of the description of the vehicle you are chasing, the reason for the chase, the speed and direction of travel, the number of suspects, and to update your location throughout the pursuit.

Once the suspects have been identified, you may be able to discontinue the pursuit and swear out a complaint and warrant and have them arrested at a later time. Remember that a vehicle by its use, can be a deadly force. The use of deadly force must be avoided whenever possible, and should only occur under those conditions in which the use of other forms of deadly force, such as a firearm, are justified. Even when you are justified in using deadly force to apprehend a fleeing, dangerous felon, there is no justification for causing death or injury to other innocent persons. In any high-speed driving, be it pursuit or response to a call, the most important factor is your common sense.

A minimum number of cruisers should be involved in anyone pursuit at anyone time. Follow the policy of your own agency in regard to this, and all other factors of pursuits and emergency response situations.

With one vehicle handling the pursuit, other units can position themselves at strategic points of the chase to assist in stopping the suspect or taking up the chase in the event something happens to the initial pursuing vehicle. If others wish to tag along to assist with the apprehension once the vehicle has been stopped, this should occur at normal highway speeds. Barricading a roadway should be considered as force that is likely to cause death or serious injury and should be used only as a last resort. NEVER barricade a road with an occupied vehicle, or without plenty of advance warning for other approaching traffic.

Due to the risk of death or injury to officers, forcible stops should be discouraged. Be aware of the condition of your cruiser, and never drive beyond the limits of the vehicle or yourself. Take into consideration that as the brakes are used, they become hot and less effective. Stay cool during the pursuit, and remember, it is no shame to terminate a pursuit if it becomes too dangerous, in fact, it is the mark of a true professional

to do so.