POLICE PURSUIT DRIVING: THE NEED FOR POLICY

The results of studies of police pursuits and their consequences are briefly discussed, and it is observed that because police administrators have a duty to ensure the safety of officers, violators and the public, they must provide written policies that contain explicit guidelines on when to initiate, continue and terminate pursuits. The police value system sets a high premium on maintaining respect for the law and an officer must use sound judgement in striking a balance between apprehension of the violator and the risks involved. A written policy must provide the criteria and procedures to be followed in making this judgement. The policy must accurately define the scope of police behavior, and address the key questions: when to pursue, what to do during pursuit, and when to abandon pursuit. The policy should make it explicit that the initial decision to pursue should be a difficult one for the officer. Other considerations that should temper that decision are noted. Pursuit procedures that should be followed if circumstances dictate such pursuit are also listed.

  • Corporate Authors:

    International Association of Chiefs of Police

    11 Firstfield Road
    Gaithersburg, MD  United States  20760
  • Authors:
    • Barker, T
  • Publication Date: 1984-7

Media Info

  • Pagination: p. 71-72
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00392281
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Report/Paper Numbers: HS-037 399
  • Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: Feb 28 1985 12:00AM