NCJ Number
91363
Date Published
1981
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This booklet discusses the decision about when to pursue in terms of department guidelines, the initial offense of the violator, the driving skills of the pursuing officer, and legal requirements; consideration of pursuit techniques is intended to enhance officers' skills in this area.
Abstract
One factor affecting an officer's decision to engage in high speed pursuit is departmental policy on pursuit as expressed in written procedures, training bulletins, and supervisory guidance. Other factors influencing the decision include the officer's driving skill and pursuit experience, other demands on the officer at the time, the nature of the offense and the hazard created by it, road conditions and traffic, and the performance capabilities of the officer's vehicle. State legal requirements for emergency vehicle status constitute another factor in pursuit decisions. A police vehicle should meet all the necessary requirements, such as flashing light and siren, before it can disregard traffic laws in a pursuit. Pursuing techniques involve identification of pursued vehicles, the take-off, pursuit, safety during pursuit, abandoning pursuit, evading police signal or command, making use of audible and visual signals in pursuit, and final stop. Three references are provided.