3.210 VEHICULAR PURSUIT

Question 1

an officer continuing to follow the suspect vehicle, regardless of the activation of emergency equipment (red lights and siren) will be considered what?

Answer 1

“In pursuit”

Question 2

Can “Bubbling” officers, engage or reengage the suspect vehicle in a vehicle pursuit without supervisor approval?

Answer 2

No. They must have supervisor approval.

Question 3

Units not directly involved in a vehicular pursuit intentionally traveling on adjacent streets as to remain parallel with the pursuit and/or suspect vehicle while not adhering to all traffic laws, regardless of the activation of emergency equipment (lights and siren).

Answer 3

paralleling

Code 3 paralleling or caravaning of units or other attempts to join the pursuit is prohibited.

Question 4

The decision by pursuing officers or monitoring supervisors to end a pursuit;
to include discontinuance of visual contact of the pursued vehicle, via turning off at the first reasonable, turn off of the primary street - and the return to routine operations.

Answer 4

Discontinuance of pursuit

Question 5

The location of a vehicular pursuit where police operations have ceased due to suspect apprehension or evasion.

Answer 5

termination point

Question 6

The decision to pursue is often made under difficult, unpredictable, and rapidly changing circumstances. For those reasons, the requirement for immediate _______ and _____________ by a supervisor for a pursuit is the cornerstone of the department’s pursuit philosophy.

Answer 6

Control
Authorization

Question 7

What equipment must vehicles have to take part in a pursuit?

Answer 7

Siren and emergency lights (lights visible from the front, back and sides of the vehicle and an audible siren)

Question 8

A pursuit will consist of how many pursuing units?

Answer 8

A maximum of three pursuing units (primary, secondary, and third).

Question 9

definition
Primary pursuing unit

Answer 9

A unit situated directly behind the suspect vehicle, at any point during a pursuit

Question 10

The primary unit may request authorization from who for additional units to join the pursuit if necessary?

Answer 10

The monitoring supervisor

Question 11

Who must complete a pursuit report and blue team?

Answer 11

Any officer who assumes primary position regardless of duration.

Question 12

An officer involved in a motor vehicle collision during emergency response or a pursuit will immediately discontinue involvement and take proper action, unless:(3)

Answer 12

1. No unit is available to assume the pursuit or respond to the unit involved.
2. Damage to the unit is minor, and it can still be operated without danger.
3. There are no apparent injuries as a result of the collision.

Question 13

A pursuit will only be authorized for:

Answer 13

A violent felony offense
OR
If the suspect presents a clear and immediate danger to the public .
(clear and immediate danger to the public will not be defined solely on a suspect’s reaction to the initial vehicle stop)

Question 14

If an officer articulates that a subject presents a clear and immediate danger to the public, who must verbally approve the pursuit and direct officers to continue the pursuit?

Answer 14

The monitoring supervisor over the radio
(sergeant, area lieutenant, or watch commander)

Question 15

officers who initiate vehicle pursuits and field supervisors, who allow pursuits to continue, must consider the following initiation and evaluation factors:(8)

Answer 15

1. Whether the need for immediate apprehension of the suspect(s) outweighs the danger created by the pursuit itself.
2. Whether the suspect is known to officers and could be apprehended later.
3. Speeds of the vehicle pursuit (pursuing units and fleeing vehicle).
4. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic (including road conditions).
5. Environmental factors surrounding the pursuit: residential, commercial, or rural.
6. Weather conditions (e.g., rain, fog, or snow).
7. Time of day: Does visibility create an unreasonable risk of injury to the public or pursuing officers?
8. Alternatives to allowing the pursuit to continue, including the availability of the Air Unit, use of the bubble tactic, surveillance with unmarked LVMPD vehicles, use of the precision intervention technique (PIT), deployment of stop sticks, or arrest at a later time via investigative means.

Question 16

when controlling a vehicle pursuit, the monitoring supervisor will:(10)

Answer 16

1. Immediately acknowledge the notification made by the pursuing officers or Communications and authorize the continuation of the vehicle pursuit over the radio by stating, “I am supervising this pursuit.”
2. Continuously evaluate the need to authorize additional units to the pursuit.
3. Determine whether a transition to the bubble tactic is more appropriate based on availability of the Air Unit and unmarked vehicles.
4. Evaluate whether to discontinue the pursuit if the Air Unit has arrived and assumed primary responsibility for broadcasting the progress of the pursuit.
5. During the pursuit, consider use of PIT and/or stop sticks.
6. Discontinue the pursuit over the radio when apprehension of the fleeing suspect(s) is outweighed by the danger caused by the pursuit.
7. Discourage overconvergence at termination point to avoid officers unduly jeopardizing the safety of themselves and others (see LVMPD 3.110, Use of Force, “De-escalation”).
8. Respond to the termination point and manage the overall scene (i.e., high-risk vehicle stop procedures, a low-lethal option, and a custody plan).
9. If the occupant(s) of the suspect vehicle flees on foot: coordinate the bubbling units directly or with the Air Unit, and Manage police activities for the suspect vehicle (e.g., high-risk vehicle stop procedures and containment).
10. Ensure all required post-pursuit procedures are completed.

Question 17

pursuits will be discontinued when leaving Clark County unless the decision to continue is approved by who?

Answer 17

The LVMPD on-duty, watch commander or area lieutenant

Question 18

When a pursuit leaves Clark County, officers and supervisors will re-evaluate the pursuit to include consideration of the following:(4)

Answer 18

1. How long the pursuit has lasted
2. Whether assistance is needed from another agency
3. Whether communication can be maintained
4. whether the pursuit can be conducted in reasonable safety and in compliance with policy and state law.

Question 19

Officers are prohibited from entering into pursuits that are initiated by another jurisdiction or law-enforcement agency, unless assigned to the pursuit by;

Answer 19

An LVMPD supervisor

Question 20

What information must a supervisor verify/obtain prior to authorizing units to join in another agency’s pursuit?

Answer 20

The agency must request assistance
and
provide sufficient information, including the crime, so the supervisor can determine if it meets our policy.

Question 21

Can stop sticks be used as a deployment tactic on a stationary vehicle?

Answer 21

Yes, only under extenuating circumstances, and with the following tactical considerations:
1. Officers will not intentionally close the distance on an occupied stationary vehicle to deploy a tire deflation device when it is determined to be a barricaded subject.
2. Approval from a field supervisor prior to deployment – the supervisor will be present during the pre-deployment when feasible.
3. A tactical plan (e.g., ballistic shield, immediate action team, or lethal/low lethal coverage) must be in place should the vehicle not be immobilized.
4. The location of the deployment does not overexpose the deployment team to the subject or subject vehicle.
5. The approach will not place the deployment team in the path of an oncoming vehicle.
6. Deployment will not be made by a single officer.
7. The officer deploying the tire deflation device is trained and authorized to use.

Question 22

officers will not deploy tire deflation devices when:(5)

Answer 22

1. When transporting arrestees or other non-police personnel.
2. When fleeing suspects have demonstrated a clear intent to injure officers using the fleeing vehicle or other deadly weapon.
3. As a weapon.
4. On bridges, curves on the roadway, around roadway construction, or any location where the deploying officer feels it would be too dangerous.
5. To slow or stop any of the following vehicles, unless the use of deadly force would be justified:
   1) Motorcycle, moped, or any other two- or three-wheeled vehicle.
   2) All-terrain vehicle (ATV).
   3) Any truck transporting explosives or other hazardous materials.

Question 23

What vehicles can stop stick not be used on?(3)

Answer 23

1. Motorcycle, moped, or any other two- or three-wheeled vehicle.
2. All-terrain vehicle (ATV).
3. Any truck transporting explosives or other hazardous materials.

Question 24

Circumstances in which PIT is considered a non-deadly use of force:(2)

Answer 24

1. Used at speeds of 40 mph and below and does not meet the criteria as deadly force.
2. If the tires of a pursuable vehicle have been deflated, and speeds are 40 mph and below.

Question 25

Circumstances in which PIT is considered a deadly use of force:(4)

Answer 25

1. At speeds of over 40 mph.
2. Used on motorcycles.
3. Used on high center-of-gravity vehicles likely to roll over (e.g., vans, SUVs, and Jeeps).
4. Circumstances that create a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury.

Question 26

What circumstances would warrant the use of PIT as deadly force?(3)

Answer 26

1. Continued movement of the pursued vehicle would place others in danger of bodily harm or death other than the occupants of the vehicle; and/or
2. Apparent risk of harm – to those other than the occupants of the pursued vehicle – is so great as to outweigh the risk of harm in making the forcible stop; and
3. Other means of apprehension during the pursuit have been considered and rejected as impractical (e.g., continue to follow, bubble tactic, stop sticks, call for the Air Unit, and/or discontinuance).

Question 27

A supervisor will notify CIRT/FIT post-pursuit under the following circumstances:(4)

Answer 27

1. when the use of force with vehicle results in death or critical bodily injury (PIT under or over 40 mph and ramming).
2. when the pursuit involves multi-jurisdiction, multiple bureaus/area commands, and/or the pursuit involves more than 5 officers.
3. when there is significant damage.
4. If PIT is used on a high center of gravity vehicle.

Question 28

Supervisors directly involved in the vehicular pursuit will relinquish their position to a black and white marked patrol unit joining the vehicular pursuit. This will ensure the supervisor maintains _______, _______, and __________ of the vehicular pursuit.

Answer 28

command, control, and objectivity

Question 29

LVMPD engages in vehicular pursuits to arrest offenders when necessary to protect citizens and their rights. Vehicle pursuits are hazardous and may result in death or injury to innocent bystanders, officers, or suspects. A pursuit will not be authorized for;

Answer 29

a property crime, minor traffic infraction, or an occupied stolen vehicle.

Question 30

Decisions made by the pursuing units and monitoring supervisors who authorize the vehicular pursuit will have the primary goal of assuring;

Answer 30

the safety of innocent citizens, officers, and, when possible, those who are fleeing.

Question 31

All officers involved in a pursuit (primary, secondary, and third unit) to include officers who are “bubbling” or “paralleling”, will activate body worn cameras when?

Answer 31

Throughout the duration of the vehicle pursuit

Question 32

Pursuit Notifications

Officers must notify the communications bureau under the following circumstances:(3)

Answer 32

1. When a pursuit is initiated and terminated.
2. When a pursuit is initiated and discontinued.
3. When a situation is observed that could result in a pursuit, but the pursuit did not meet the criteria for pursuing (event must be created or updated in this situation).

Question 33

Officers must notify Communications via radio if they are ________________ at any point of a vehicular pursuit.

Answer 33

the primary unit

Question 34

When initiating a vehicle pursuit, what information must the primary unit immediately provide?(5)

Answer 34

1. Circumstances of the original offense.
2. Location, speed and direction of travel of the fleeing vehicle and updates throughout the pursuit.
3. Speed of pursuing unit(s) and updates throughout the pursuit.
4. Description and license plate number, if known.
5. Number of occupants in the vehicle and descriptions, where possible.

Question 35

at the conclusion of any vehicular pursuit, what type of stop procedures will be used by all officers present when practical?

Answer 35

High-risk

Question 36

The pursuing officer or a supervisor may request assistance from another agency. If such a request is made, officers or supervisors will not request an officer from another agency to ____________________________; however, other appropriate forms of assistance may be requested.

Answer 36

actively join in the pursuit

Question 37

If insufficient information is received and/or if the outside agency-initiated pursuit is not in compliance with LVMPD‘s pursuit policy, will the pursuit be joined by LVMPD officers?

Answer 37

No.

However, a supervisor may authorize officer(s) to drive in routine operation towards the area of the pursuit to be in a relatively good position to render back up, and other aid once the pursuit is stopped .

Question 38

Authorized officers operating as secondary units in pursuits involving a lone primary unit from another agency will be subject to all department procedures governing primary pursuit units, including as a priority, the responsibility to discontinue the LVMPD role in the pursuit immediately whenever:(4)

Answer 38

1. An additional unit from the originating agency joins the pursuit and can take over the secondary unit responsibilities.
2. The pursuit is not conducted to the standards of LVMPD as outlined in this procedure.
3. Information is made available that indicates the danger of the pursuit outweighs the need to apprehend the suspect.
4. An LVMPD supervisor orders the LVMPD role in the pursuit discontinued.

Question 39

Officers are __________ from joining pursuits initiated by another jurisdiction or law enforcement agency unless assigned to the pursuit by an ________________.

Answer 39

Prohibited
LVMPD Supervisor

Question 40

An LVMPD supervisor will not assign officers to participate in pursuits initiated by Outside Agencies unless;(2)

Answer 40

1. assistance is requested by the initiating agency
2. they provide sufficient information (including the crime the suspects are believed to have committed) so that an LVMPD supervisor can determine if the pursuit is in compliance with the provisions of this policy

Question 41

When an LVMPD officer is involved in a pursuit from another jurisdiction, what are the field supervisors responsibilities?

Answer 41

LVMPD field supervisors will monitor and control the department’s role in such pursuits exactly as they would any other pursuit.

Question 42

Pre-deployment of the tire deflation device (Piranha) is authorized for use only by units that have been authorized by their ________________ and completed the necessary Piranha training.

Answer 42

bureau commander

Question 43

Officer(s) deploying stop sticks during a vehicle pursuit will:(5(6))

Answer 43

1. Deploy the stop sticks from a position of safety.
2. When feasible, deploy stop sticks using a two-officer team, deploying officer and an observer.
3. Evaluate tactical considerations:
   -plan best locations/where protection exists
   -avoid wet, gravel or loose surfaces
   -limit suspect ability to avoid striking device
   -deploying away from intersection
   -identify safe location to observe the pursuit
   -move to safety after deployment
4. Advise pursuing units when and where stop sticks are being deployed.
5. Inform the monitoring supervisor of the deployment of stop sticks and their effectiveness during the pursuit.

Question 44

PIT (successful uses and attempts) and Ramming are reportable uses of force and must be reported in what reports?

Answer 44

Use of Force Reports
AND
Pursuit Report in Blue Team

Question 45

In incidents where PIT (deadly) is used, the use of force will be handled by ____ at the discretion of the ____ lieutenant, based on the totality of the circumstances.

Answer 45

CIRT

Question 46

Post pursuit, a supervisor will:(12)

Answer 46

1. Respond to the termination point and assume responsibility for the scene.
2. Ensure all appropriate notifications are made at the scene.
3. Conduct a thorough investigation to determine if the pursuit was within policy and justified. Do not investigate a pursuit if personally involved in the pursuit. Pursuit will be investigated by next level of supervision in the officer’s chain of command.
4. Ensure all applicable reports are completed.
5. Check the area surrounding the termination point for any video surveillance, and obtain a copy
6. Review all involved officers’ BWCs to ensure pursuit procedures were followed and that all involved officers are documented in the report.
7. Ensure any officer who assumed a primary position in the pursuit completes a Pursuit Report in Blue Team.
8. Document in Blue Team if the pursuit has been determined to be justified and in adherence to procedure, to include all facts and evidence obtained throughout the investigation.
9. Document in Blue Team if the pursuit was determined to be unjustified, and include all facts and evidence obtained throughout the investigation.
10. Document in Blue Team if the Air Unit was available; When the Air Unit arrived and How the Air Unit assisted. If unavailable; articulate why.
11. Document in Blue Team if tire deflation devices were deployed and ensure that the circumstances justifying each deployment is articulated.
12. Ensure all evidence and documentation (e.g., voluntary statements, photos, injuries, vehicle damage, etc.) is secured prior to the end of shift.

Question 47

Can a supervisor who becomes involved in a pursuit, other than supervising the pursuit, conduct the pursuit investigation?

Answer 47

No