NCJ Number
100490
Date Published
1985
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This study examines factors in 424 police car pursuits involving officers in 75 agencies in 9 States and 2 territories from April 1 to September 30, 1984.
Abstract
A questionnaire was completed for each pursuit, and various factors were analyzed. Findings indicate no pursuit speed, distance, or duration is safe. Pursuits involving high speeds, long distances, and intoxicated drivers occur primarily at night. Regardless of other factors, the majority of suspects in pursuits are captured. A fleeing driver is usually not a dangerous felon, and the event preceding the pursuit is unrelated to the safety of its outcome. The officer's perception of the event preceding the pursuit is usually confirmed by the booking charges. When the officer does not have a backup unit, the suspect's chance of escaping is increased. Pursuits generally end with the suspect's surrender, either voluntarily or after an accident. Roadblocks and police ramming increase the capture rate and decrease the overall injury rate. One in five pursuits involves property damage, and one in seven involves injuries. Deaths occur in 1 of 35 pursuits. In injuries and deaths, suspects are most vulnerable, followed by other motorists and police officers. Although the majority of officers had completed a pursuit driving course and the majority of the pursuits were governed by the most important policy components, the effects of training or policy on the pursuits were not detected. Recommendations are offered for training and policy. Tabular data.