foot pursuit

Question 1

It is the policy of this department that officers may engage subjects in a foot pursuit if certain factors are present that warrant the

Answer 1

lawful apprehension of a subject attempting to flee.

Question 2

Foot pursuits are inherently dangerous and require

Answer 2

good judgment, sound tactics, and heightened safety awareness.

Question 3

What is the primary consideration when determining whether a foot pursuit will be initiated or continued?

Answer 3

The safety of department personnel and the public

Question 4

When deciding whether to initiate or continue a foot pursuit, officers should consider other possible, reasonable alternatives such as

Answer 4

pursue to apprehend vs. pursue to contain. The decision to continue a foot pursuit must be constantly evaluated based upon the availability of other resources (e.g., K9, Air Support, or additional officers

Question 5

Officers may initiate foot pursuits of any individual(s) the officer

Answer 5

reasonably believes is engaged in criminal activity. Deciding to initiate a foot pursuit is a judgment an officer must make quickly and under dynamic circumstances.

Question 6

The following officer safety issues should be considered (foot pursuit)
(11)

Answer 6

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 (i.e., baiting to ambush).

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, lose visual contact with one another, or obstacles separate them to the degree they cannot immediately assist each other.

The need to secure department vehicles left unlocked or running.

Question 7

Officers initiating a foot pursuit should broadcast the following information: (5)

Answer 7

Unit identifier;

Location and direction of travel;

Reason for the foot pursuit;

Number of subjects and descriptions; and

Whether the subject is known or believed to be armed

Question 8

Officers should frequently
(Foot pursuit)

Answer 8

update the conditions of the pursuit

Question 9

Officers unable to promptly and effectively broadcast information should consider

Answer 9

the decision to transition to containment.

Question 10

When an officer involved in foot pursuit loses sight of the suspect, the officer should consider transitioning from “pursuit to apprehend” to “pursuit to contain.” In the transition to containment, the officer should: (4)

Answer 10

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 11

A supervisor will respond to a foot pursuit when the following occur:
(4)

Answer 11

Injury to an officer, citizen, or suspect;

Any entry into a residence or similar structure, regardless if it is occupied or not;

Any reportable force; or

Any other unusual occurrence that warrants supervisory oversight

Question 12

Upon apprehension of the suspect, the supervisor should
(Foot pursuit)

Answer 12

promptly respond to the termination point and direct post-pursuit activity. Supervisors should conduct an after-action review with the officer(s) involved.