NCJ Number
121411
Date Published
1989
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Because police vehicle pursuits are so dangerous and often undertaken rashly and because most decisionmakers would agree that the police officer's obligation to protect life and property should take precedence over the duty to apprehend fleeing motorists, departments must develop clear administrative policy and extensive training in the area of vehicle pursuits.
Abstract
The data from several studies show that about one-third of pursuits end in accidents, one-eighth in injuries, one percent in deaths and between one-quarter and one-third in the motorist escaping apprehension. This data, however, is interpreted differently by opponents and proponents of giving police officers virtually free rein in the matter of vehicle pursuits. Although many police authorities officially disapprove of pursuits, their officers often undertake this action out of anger rather than on the basis of logic and professional responsibility. Firm police pursuit policies and training can help mitigate this type of response. Supervisors and radio dispatchers should have the authority to discontinue chases when it becomes clear the dangers are outweighing the potential benefits. Specific pursuit policy components include laying back, overtaking, and roadblocks. 12 references.