policy

I am getting tested on this here shortly so I can drive patrol cars!

Our department allows pursuits as long as the pursuit would not create even more danger to the public. The policy asks that the officer take in the account several factors (like time of the day, what the suspect is being pursued for, weather conditions, etc...). At any time the pursuing officer or a command officer can call off the pursuit.

If a neighboring law enforcement agency is pursuing a suspect and happens to come into our jurisdiction, we are to be on stand-by (in case the suspect stops the vehicle and takes of running on foot) and closely follow behind. We have to drop the pursuit when they leave our jurisdiction.

RE: November 2007 Vehicle Pursuits

Vehicle pursuit policies are some of the hardest in the world to write. Administrators and legal staff want to limit chases to limit the potential liability. Officers on patrol want to be able to chase anyone who runs from them. It is impossible to develop a policy that will kepp everyone happy.

My agency has a fairly good policy. Since we all drive unmarked cars, our chase policy is pretty limited, but the officers understand the dangers. It does allow for a chase if necessary, but it has to be justifiable.

Most of the best policies have some limits but allow chases based on officer discretion, with supervisors monitoring the chase. In the mid-70's, I went through a program that Kansas City MO had, called the C.R.A.S.H. program. This was a training program to try to help officers understand how to balance the danger of a chase with the desire to arrest. CRASH stood for Collision reduction and safe habits. The program was designed to help the officer keep a constant evaluation of the chase, traffic, and all of the other factors to consider. It must have worked since it has stuck with me for 30 years.

Teach the officers what to consider and how to stay calm. If they can learn to not let the adrenaline override their common sense, then you can trust the officers judgment on the chase.

The new equipment coming out helps. I like the use of spike sticks if you can get someone ahead of the chase, and the use of air assets to allow the cars to drop back a little. I don't have a lot of faith in some of the proposed systems to shut off the engine. 

I have a personal problem with the concept of building in a shut off device. Just how much control over our lives are we willing to give up to the government in the name of crime fighting? How can it be misused is as big a question to ask as how can it help.

Last edited @ 12/9/2007 8:36 PM