3.220 Foot Pursuit

Question 1

Supervisor Responsibility:

Answer 1

A supervisor will make reasonable efforts to ascertain information, direct responding resources, and take command of the foot pursuit.
Respond to a foot pursuit in case of injury to an officer, citizen, or suspect, any entry into a residence or similar structure, reportable force, or any other unusual occurrence that warrants supervisory oversight.
Conduct an after-action review with the officer(s) involved upon apprehension of the suspect.

Question 2

Responsibilities of Assisting Officer:

Answer 2

Minimize nonessential radio traffic when an officer broadcasts a foot pursuit.

The first responding officer who is not actively engaged in the immediate apprehension of the subject(s) will establish a 360-degree perimeter.

Question 3

Transition from Apprehension to Containment:

Answer 3

When an officer loses sight of the suspect, consider transitioning from “pursuit to apprehend” to “pursuit to contain.”
Use protective cover or a position of advantage near where the suspect was last seen.
Broadcast the suspect’s description and last direction of travel.
Establish a perimeter and evaluate the time needed for the arrival of additional resources.

Question 4

Officer Safety Concerns:

Answer 4

The potential for violence to officer(s) or citizens.
The officer is acting alone.
The subject is known or believed to be armed.
The officer becomes unsure of his/her location and direction of travel.
Radio contact is lost with Dispatch or backup officers.
The officer loses possession of his/her firearm, radio, or other essential equipment.
The subject enters a building, structure, confined space, or otherwise isolated area.
The officer becomes aware of unanticipated circumstances that increase the risk to officers or the public.
An officer pursuing multiple subjects does not reasonably believe he/she would be able to control the subjects should a confrontation occur.
Two or more officers involved in the pursuit become separated or obstacles separate them to the degree they cannot immediately assist each other.
The need to secure department vehicles left unlocked or running.

Question 5

Decision to Pursue

Answer 5

Officers may engage in foot pursuits if certain factors are present that warrant the lawful apprehension of a subject attempting to flee.
The safety of department personnel and the public should be the primary consideration when determining whether a foot pursuit will be initiated or continued.
Consider other reasonable alternatives such as pursue to apprehend vs. pursue to contain