U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Police Vehicular Pursuits: An Overview of Research and Legal Conceptualizations for Police Administrators

NCJ Number
200042
Journal
Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2003 Pages: 75-95
Author(s)
Wendy L. Hicks
Editor(s)
Nanci Koser Wilson
Date Published
March 2003
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This article presents a brief overview of police vehicle pursuits, specifically regarding scholarly research and legal considerations surrounding the viability of a national pursuit policy and the need for a comprehensive and effective policy.
Abstract
It is understood in the law enforcement field that a police officer’s actions in any pursuit will be closely scrutinized by administrators, as well as scholars researching those decisions made during a pursuit. Many studies have found that pursuits are an integral part of law enforcement, supported by officers and administrators. This article begins with an examination of prior scholarly research into police vehicular pursuits. In an effort to understand and appreciate the theoretical concepts of police policy, the article continues with a brief discussion of public policy. The article concludes with a brief legal analysis or synopsis of pursuit ramifications, offering an understanding of the many legal intricacies involved in police pursuits. It remains the responsibility of the policy writers and administrators to develop effective, efficient policy regarding police vehicular pursuits. The outcome to improved and effective policy development is the reduction of negative outcomes of police pursuits. References