NCJ Number
111853
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1987) Pages: 298-306
Date Published
1987
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study reviews data on police car pursuits from a 1984 national study by the Dade Association of Chiefs of Police (Florida) and an earlier similar study by the California Highway Patrol.
Abstract
The first phase of the Dade study included a content analysis of police pursuit policies around the Nation. As a result of this inquiry, a model pursuit policy was written and adopted by all police departments in Dade County. The second phase of the study was an empirical analysis of police pursuits in Dade County from August 1, 1985 to July 30, 1986. The data indicate two important trends: the majority of pursuits are initiated for traffic infractions, but many of those apprehended are often charged with serious felony offenses unrelated to the pursuit; accidents occur in slightly more than half of the pursuits in which an arrest occurs, but most of these are minor and result in no personal injuries. Either the offender or the police are willing to take more chances when being pursued or pursuing for serious offenses. Data from both the Dade and California studies support the argument that training and regulations for different police departments and different communities should include many similar guidelines and restrictions. The study concludes with a discussion of police training for pursuits. 2 tables and 13 references.