Procedure 620-Pursuits and Stop Techniques

Question 1

.02A. The Department recognizes its responsibility to apprehend criminals. This is balanced by acknowledging that in the course of discharging their duties, officers must;

Answer 1

do so in a manner reasonable and commensurate to the circumstances of each situation.

Question 2

.02B. Officers, involved in pursuits and/or utilizing stop techniques while operating emergency vehicles, exercise due regard for the safety of all persons, constantly aware no assignment is too important and no tasks are;

Answer 2

to be expedited with such emphasis that the basic principles of safety are jeopardized.

Question 3

.02C. Officers engage in a vehicular pursuit and/or utilize stop techniques only when;

Answer 3

the benefit of apprehension outweighs the risk to the officer and/or the public.

Question 4

.02D. Officers are held accountable for the consequences of;

Answer 4

reckless disregard for the safety of others and violations of this procedure.

Question 5

.03A. The San Antonio Police Department requires its officers to exhibit a sense of prudent judgment derived from;

Answer 5

departmental training, acquired knowledge, skills, and ability in the operation of all emergency vehicles.

Question 6

.04. Means a marked police vehicle or a marked police motorcycle equipped with emergency warning devices, warning lights and sirens, or a command response vehicle.

Answer 6

Emergency Vehicle:

Question 7

.04. Means to drive behind a subject vehicle without using emergency warning devices or any other method of instruction to stop by the officer. The police vehicle must adhere to traffic laws and traffic control devices.

Answer 7

Following:

Question 8

.04. Means an attempt by an officer, while driving an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens activated, to apprehend the occupant(s) of a vehicle who are evading arrest by maintaining or increasing the speed of a vehicle and by ignoring the officer’s instruction to stop or are taking evasive actions.

Answer 8

Pursuit

Question 9

.04. May consist of increasing speed making aggressive driving maneuvers ( going off-road, disregarding traffic controls, turning off vehicle lights, and/or weaving in/out of traffic), or similar actions.

Answer 9

Evasive actions

Question 10

.05. Officers operating emergency vehicles must exercise sound judgment, carefully consider the facts, and weigh the

Answer 10

seriousness of the offense against the consequences of jeopardizing the safety of others by continually

Question 11

.05. Environmental factors used by officers for evaluating risk of pursuit against safety.

Answer 11

1. Time /day of week; 2. Lighting conditions;
2. Volume of traffic; 4. Type of roadway;
3. Roadway condition; 6. Weather conditions;
4. Vehicle conditions; 8. Speeds;
5. Pursuit duration ; 10. Types traffic devices;
6. School zones /areas large crowds gather.

Question 12

.06 A. Will be utilized for pursuits and/or stop techniques;

Answer 12

Only emergency vehicles

Question 13

.06 A. On expressways, expressway exit or entrance ramps, divided highways, or any other street designated for one-way traffic;

Answer 13

Officers will not drive emergency vehicles the wrong way.

Question 14

.06 A. Officers will not transport prisoners, witnesses, suspects, complainants, or any person who is not a member of the Department who has not signed SAPD Civilian Observer Authorization and Release;

Answer 14

when driving emergency vehicles in emergency operations.

Question 15

.07A. Officers authorized to engage in vehicle pursuits may utilize emergency vehicles for emergency operations, provided:

Answer 15

emergency lights and siren are activated;

Question 16

.07A. At all traffic control devices which require a stop under normal driving conditions and in consideration to vehicular and pedestrians;

Answer 16

Officers will reduce speed and proceed when it can be done safely;

Question 17

.07A. At intersections marked by yield signs or yellow flashing lights;

Answer 17

Reduce speed for vehicles and pedestrians and proceed when it can be done safely;

Question 18

.07A. Officers will reduce speed and proceed when it can be done safely when driving emergency vehicles in pursuits through or into school zones

Answer 18

during normal school hours or into areas where large crowds are known to congregate, such as city parks and outdoor public events.

Question 19

.07B. A managing supervisor will determine the number of emergency vehicles engaged in a pursuit to;

Answer 19

a maximum of (4), inclusive of the primary and secondary vehicle.

Question 20

.07B. Shall not engage in pursuits.

Answer 20

Vehicles not normally used for patrol and/or traffic enforcement (prisoner transport wagons, etc.)

Question 21

.07B. Officers will not continue a pursuit or assist in a pursuit unless;

Answer 21

immediate authorization to continue the pursuit or assist is received from the managing supervisor.

Question 22

.07B. Officers will not engage in;

Answer 22

paralleling, ramming, caravanning, or driving alongside a pursued vehicle.

Question 23

.07B. Officers will not set up;

Answer 23

roadblocks.

Question 24

.07B. Must abandon a pursuit when an emergency vehicle with roof-mounted emergency lights enters the pursuit.

Answer 24

Emergency vehicles without roof-mounted emergency lights and (2) wheeled motorcycles

Question 25

.07B. If a pursuit is terminated by the officer in the primary vehicle, the managing supervisor, or at the direction of a dispatcher, all officers;

Answer 25

shall discontinue the pursuit.

Question 26

.07B. When any officer, supervisor, or dispatcher announces that a pursuit is terminated, all assigned officers shall;

Answer 26

turn off all emergency warning lights and siren, slow down and adhere to all traffic laws and traffic control devices.

Question 27

.07B. When any officer, supervisor, or dispatcher announces that a pursuit is terminated, the officers in the pursuit shall;

Answer 27

notify the dispatcher of their location.

Question 28

.07B. Once a pursuit is terminated, officers must receive authorization from a supervisor to continue to follow the vehicle, if granted, the vehicle may only be followed as a;

Answer 28

Code-One response, while adhering to all traffic laws and traffic control devices.

Question 29

.08A. Officers must weigh the hazardous circumstances and environmental factors associated with a pursuit against the;

Answer 29

possibilities of serious bodily injury or death to other motorists, pedestrians, the pursuing officers, and the offender.

Question 30

Officers must understand there is a point at which the risks outweigh;

Answer 30

the benefits of apprehending a suspect.

Question 31

.08B. Traffic infractions, ordinance violations, non-violent misdemeanors (not involving the use of firearms), and non-violent felonies.

Answer 31

Pursuits are not authorized.

Question 32

.08B. The individuals fleeing are suspects only and the actual crime has not been determined.

Answer 32

Pursuits are not authorized.

Question 33

.08B. The occupants has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a violent felony offense (i.e.
Aggravated Robbery or Aggravated Assault, and/or other crimes against a person in which violence is an
element to the felony offense);

Answer 33

Situations where pursuits, if initiated, may be

continued, depending on the hazardous circumstances and environmental factors.

Question 34

.08B. The occupants has committed or is committing a violent misdemeanor offense involving the use of a
firearm

Answer 34

Situations where pursuits, if initiated, may be

continued, depending on the hazardous circumstances and environmental factors.

Question 35

.08B. The occupants is known to be wanted under an active warrant for a violent felony offense.

Answer 35

Situations where pursuits, if initiated, may be

continued, depending on the hazardous circumstances and environmental factors.

Question 36

.09A. Primary Vehicle Driver activates the vehicle emergency warning devices from the point at which the officer;

Answer 36

engages in the pursuit until its termination;

Question 37

.09A. Primary Vehicle Driver immediately notifies the dispatcher of the location, direction of travel, speed, reason for the pursuit;

Answer 37

the presence of other law enforcement agencies, the description of the vehicle being pursued, and the number of occupants;

Question 38

.09A. Primary Vehicle Driver provides updated information regarding the;

Answer 38

direction of travel, speed, and other pertinent details.

Question 39

.09A. Primary Vehicle Driver Radio transmissions are kept as short as possible to allow communication between;

Answer 39

the dispatcher, managing supervisor, and assisting officers.

Question 40

.09A. If any mechanical problems develop in the primary vehicle.

Answer 40

Primary Vehicle Driver Abandons the pursuit.

Question 41

.09B. Secondary Vehicle Driver officer must receive immediate authorization from the;

Answer 41

managing supervisor or dispatch supervisor to assist in the pursuit;

Question 42

.09B. Activates the secondary vehicle’s emergency warning devices from the point at which the;

Answer 42

secondary vehicle enters the pursuit until its termination.

Question 43

.09B. The secondary vehicle’s siren may be deactivated if it;

Answer 43

interferes with radio communications;

Question 44

.09B. Becomes the primary vehicle if the primary vehicle;

Answer 44

abandons the pursuit;

Question 45

.09B. If any mechanical problems develop in the secondary vehicle;

Answer 45

abandons the pursuit.

Question 46

.09C. If a Supervisor engages in a pursuit, then another supervisory officer;

Answer 46

regardless of rank, must be identified as the managing supervisor and must approve and manage the pursuit;

Question 47

.09C. Immediately authorizes continuation or orders termination of the pursuit depending on the hazardous
circumstances and environmental factors present as stated by the primary vehicle driver;

Answer 47

Managing Supervisor

Question 48

.09C. Ensures not more than {4} emergency vehicles are engaged in a pursuit;

Answer 48

Managing Supervisor

Question 49

.09C. Ensures the Helicopter Detail, if available, is notified.

Answer 49

Managing Supervisor

Question 50

.09C. Once a police helicopter has a pursued vehicle in sight, the managing supervisor may authorize the continuation of the pursuit based on the following circumstances:

Answer 50

a. The severity of the offense;
b. The number of occupants in vehicle;
c. The likelihood of the suspects being armed;
d. The preservation of physical evidence; or
e. Other justifications which can be articulated.

Question 51

.09C. Directs the tactics of the pursuit;

Answer 51

Managing Supervisor

Question 52

.09C. Constantly evaluates the pursuit;

Answer 52

Managing Supervisor

Question 53

.09C. Assigns additional officers to assist with traffic control, accident investigation, foot pursuit, and/or perimeter security if the termination ends with the apprehension of the vehicle or subjects; and

Answer 53

Managing Supervisor

Question 54

.09C. Orders the termination of a pursuit at any time hazardous circumstances or environmental factors present an unreasonable risk to public safety.

Answer 54

Managing Supervisor

Question 55

.09C. When notified by the dispatcher and assuming the responsibilities of the managing supervisor.

Answer 55

Supervisors will be held accountable for failing to respond.

Question 56

.09C. When notified by the dispatcher, supervisors shall take the responsibility of the managing supervisor;

Answer 56

regardless of the unit of assignment of the primary or secondary vehicle in the pursuit.

Question 57

.09C. Accountability extends for failing to terminate pursuits when hazardous circumstances or environmental factors would cause a reasonable and prudent person in the same circumstances to reasonably believe an unreasonable risk to public safety exists;

Answer 57

Managing Supervisor

Question 58

.09C. Accountability for ensuring the procedural guidelines governing pursuits are complied with shall rest with the;

Answer 58

highest ranking officer monitoring or responding to the pursuit.

Question 59

.09C. While the highest ranking officer monitoring the pursuit oversees it, this does not;

Answer 59

relieve the managing supervisor of his /her assigned procedural tasks and responsibilities of the pursuit.

Question 60

.09D. The Helicopter Detail shall utilize its airborne video equipment to record all pursuits and entailing foot chases;

Answer 60

until officers secure the actors..

Question 61

.09E. Ensures the handling dispatcher assigns a managing supervisor and secondary vehicle to the pursuit, and records the identity of other officers assigned to the pursuit;

Answer 61

Dispatcher and Communications Supervisor

Question 62

.09E. Affirms the dispatchers on other affected communication channels provide their officers with information relative to the pursuit;

Answer 62

Dispatcher and Communications Supervisor

Question 63

.09E. Assigns a radio frequency specifically for the use of the officers involved in a pursuit, if necessary;

Answer 63

Dispatcher and Communications Supervisor

Question 64

.09E. Apprises the managing supervisor of any traffic problems relative to the pursuit;

Answer 64

Dispatcher and Communications Supervisor

Question 65

.09E. Announces the termination of a pursuit at the direction of the managing supervisor or in the absence of a managing supervisor.

Answer 65

Dispatcher and Communications Supervisor

Question 66

.09F. The pursuit will terminate at the Bexar County line, except when;

Answer 66

continued pursuit is authorized by the managing supervisor;

Question 67

.09F. When a pursuit enters into another jurisdiction, notifies the managing supervisor and dispatcher;

Answer 67

the secondary vehicle driver.

Question 68

.09F. Notifies the appropriate law enforcement agency of the vehicle description, circumstances of the pursuit, and if assistance is requested;

Answer 68

The dispatcher

Question 69

.09F. If the offender is apprehended out of county, the arresting officer;

Answer 69

waits for the arrival of the managing supervisor and an

officer from that jurisdiction.

Question 70

.09F. In all pursuits which end in the apprehension of the offender outside of Bexar County, the offender is taken, without unnecessary delay;

Answer 70

before a magistrate of the county in which the arrest is made; and

Question 71

.09F. He is notified of all pursuits which continue out of Bexar County.

Answer 71

The ranking on duty officer, {of all SAPD}.

Question 72

.09G. Maintains liaison with other law enforcement agencies involved in pursuits which enter into the City of San Antonio; and

Answer 72

Communications

Question 73

.09G. Assigns a managing supervisor to supervise the Department’s officers in their assistance with the pursuit.

Answer 73

Communications

Question 74

.09G. Determines the number of police vehicles from the outside agency involved in the pursuit;

Answer 74

Managing Supervisor:

Question 75

.09G. Determines if assistance is specifically requested by the initiating jurisdiction;

Answer 75

Managing Supervisor:

Question 76

.09G. Determines if assistance from the Department is required;

Answer 76

Managing Supervisor:

Question 77

.09G. Notifies the Helicopter Detail, if available, to respond;

Answer 77

Managing Supervisor:

Question 78

.09G. Does not assign officers to engage in the pursuit if there are (2) marked police vehicles from outside agencies already engaged in the pursuit;

Answer 78

Managing Supervisor:

Question 79

.09G. Assigns an officer as the secondary unit if there is only (1) outside agency marked police vehicle
involved in the pursuit;

Answer 79

Managing Supervisor:

Question 80

.09G. Assigns officers to assist with traffic control, accident investigation, foot pursuit, and/or perimeter security at the scene of termination;

Answer 80

Managing Supervisor:

Question 81

.09G. Terminates the SAPD officer’s involvement if the actions of officers from another agency present an
unreasonable risk to public safety;

Answer 81

Managing Supervisor:

Question 82

.09G. Submits a written report, with SAPD case number, giving the details of the pursuit and the names of all SAPD officers involved in the pursuit.

Answer 82

Managing Supervisor:

Question 83

.10B. Primary vehicle driver’s report will include:

Answer 83

1. Reason or probable cause for engaging pursuit;
2. Vehicle description and occupants;
3. The location officer engaged the pursuit;
4. The route of the pursuit;
5. An account of the violations committed;
6. Summary of tactics to apprehend offender;
7. Point of abandonment or termination;
8. If apprehended, his involvement in arrest.

Question 84

.10C. Secondary vehicle driver’s report will include:

Answer 84

1. Location officer engaged in the pursuit;
2. Summary of tactics to apprehend offender;
3. Point of abandonment or termination;
4. If apprehended, his involvement in arrest.

Question 85

.10E. Helicopter officers’ reports will include Assigned duties, and a summary indicating if;

Answer 85

pursuit was videotaped and the location of the videotape;

Question 86

.10E. Evaluation of the pursuit to include procedural violations, recommendations for training, and other pertinent concerns in relation to the pursuit;

Answer 86

Helicopter Detail Officers

Question 87

.10E. The Helicopter Detail Officer’s report is forwarded to his/her chain of command with a copy submitted to the;

Answer 87

appropriate Division Commander of the officer initiating the pursuit.

Question 88

.10F. Dispatcher’s report will include:

Answer 88

1. Time, date, duration, and route
2. Units assigned include names /badge numbers
3. Managing supervisor assigned;
4. Pursuit details, include difficulties encountered;
5. The report is forwarded to the Communications
   Supervisor.

Question 89

.10G. Will include: Identity of officers involved / assignments relative to the pursuit; a summary of any accidents or other incidents arising from or related to the pursuit;

Answer 89

Managing supervisor’s report

Question 90

.10G. If he terminates the pursuit, the time and location the pursuit was ordered terminated; Recommendations for any needed corrective or disciplinary actions to include training.

Answer 90

Managing supervisor’s report

Question 91

.10G. Managing supervisor’s report will contain all pertinent AVL and/or video records to document the need for;

Answer 91

any corrective or disciplinary actions should be included;

Question 92

.10G. Managing supervisor’s report will contain a summary of information obtained from reviewing all available in-car video and the GPS (AVL) records of all officers assigned to the pursuit, whether they were;

Answer 92

assigned as the Primary, Secondary, or other duties;

Question 93

.10G. Summary of pertinent information gathered from reviewing the Audio records from dispatch concerning the pursuit.

Answer 93

Managing supervisor’s report

Question 94

.11A. The Managing Supervisor: as soon as practical after the conclusion of the pursuit, prepares SAPD Form #103-NEN; and route the form through electronic mail to the following offices:

Answer 94

a. Office of the Chief;
b. Applicable Assistant Chief;
c. Patrol Division Commander:
d. Tactical Support Division Commander
e. Police Media Services Detail.

Question 95

11A. Conducts an analysis of the pursuit using the AVL system, video evidence and audio recordings from dispatch as well as the reports submitted by all officers and completes the appropriate section of the SAPD Form #103, Pursuit Evaluation Report;

Answer 95

Managing Supervisor

Question 96

.11A. Attaches copies of the officers’ reports, including his report, any pertinent AVL records, and a copy of SAPD 103-NEN, to the pursuit evaluation report, and forwards the packet to his shift/unit director.

Answer 96

Managing Supervisor

Question 97

.11B. Reviews all submitted reports, and conducts an evaluation of the pursuit, directing any questions to the managing supervisor. This evaluation is directed towards identifying violations of policies and procedures and any needed corrective or disciplinary action;

Answer 97

Shift /Unit Director:

Question 98

Completes the appropriate section of the pursuit evaluation report and forwards it, along with the attached reports, to his section commander.

Answer 98

Shift /Unit Director:

Question 99

.10C. Reviews the pursuit report submitted by the handling dispatcher;

Answer 99

Communications Supervisor:

Question 100

.10C. Conducts an evaluation of the pursuit as it relates to dispatch procedures and directs any inquiries back to the dispatcher;

Answer 100

Communications Supervisor:

Question 101

.10C. Completes the appropriate portion of the pursuit report form noting any additional information on the pursuit to include procedural violations, training recommendations, and other pertinent information and faxes a copy of the report to the managing supervisor.

Answer 101

Communications Supervisor:

Question 102

.10C. The Communications Supervisor forwards the original copy of the pursuit report to the;

Answer 102

Communications Director.

Question 103

.10D. Completes the appropriate portion of the dispatcher’s pursuit report and directs any questions back to the Communications Supervisor;

Answer 103

Communications Director

Question 104

.10D. Forwards a copy of the pursuit report to the appropriate Division Commander of the officer initiating the pursuit.

Answer 104

Communications Director

Question 105

.10E. Reviews all submitted reports and shall also be responsible for reviewing all available data (including but not limited to vehicle GPS data, video evidence, and audio tapes maintained by Communications) for the noted pursuit prior to completing the pursuit evaluation report;

Answer 105

Section Commander

Question 106

.10E. Reviews data prior to COMPLETING the pursuit evaluation report, {e.i., he completes pursuit report???};

Answer 106

Section Commander

Question 107

.10E. Conducts an evaluation of the pursuit towards identifying violations of policies and procedures and any needed corrective or disciplinary action, directing any questions to the shift/unit director.

Answer 107

Section Commander

Question 108

.10E. Completes the appropriate section of the pursuit evaluation report and forwards it, along with the attached reports, to his Division Commander.

Answer 108

Section Commander

Question 109

.11F. Reviews all submitted reports;

Answer 109

Division Commander

Question 110

.11F. Shall be responsible for reviewing all available data, including but not limited to vehicle GPS data, video evidence, and audio tapes maintained by the Communications, for the noted pursuit prior to completing the pursuit evaluation report;

Answer 110

Division Commander

Question 111

.11F. Conducts an evaluation of the pursuit, directing any questions to the Section Commander. This evaluation is directed towards identifying violations of policies and procedures and any needed corrective or disciplinary action;

Answer 111

Division Commander

Question 112

.11F. Completes the appropriate section of the pursuit evaluation report and forwards the pursuit packet to a Patrol Division Commander for entry into the Pursuit Information Database;

Answer 112

Division Commander

Question 113

.11F. Forwards a copy of the pursuit packet to the Internal Affairs Unit, if disciplinary action is recommended.

Answer 113

Division Commander

Question 114

.12. He is responsible for maintaining the Pursuit Information Database, and will complete an annual written evaluation of all pursuits to determine their effectiveness and to recommend any training, or policy modifications needed.

Answer 114

Patrol Division Commander

Question 115

.12. The annual evaluation will be presented to the Chief of Police, and will include items 1-4 as following:

Answer 115

1. Reason for pursuit initiation
2. Number of pursuits initiated
3. Number of pursuits terminated
4. Number of pursuits abandoned

Question 116

.12. The annual evaluation will be presented to the Chief of Police, and will include items 5-8 as following:

Answer 116

5. Miles covered
6. Time duration of pursuit
7. Speeds involved
8. Other jurisdictions involved

Question 117

.12. The annual evaluation will be presented to the Chief of Police, and will include items 9-12 as following:

Answer 117

9. Arrests/Apprehensions
10. Hazardous circumstances
11. Environmental factors as per .05
12. Risks identified

Question 118

.12. The annual evaluation will be presented to the Chief of Police, and will include items 13-16 as following:

Answer 118

13. Policy/Procedure violations
14. Training Issues identified
15. Technical difficulties
16. Crashes

Question 119

.12. The annual evaluation will be presented to the Chief of Police, and will include items 17-18 as following:

Answer 119

17. Property damage

18. Injuries

Question 120

.13A. Situations where an officer follows a subject vehicle, but does not or has not engaged in apprehension efforts;

Answer 120

do not constitute pursuits.

Question 121

.13A. Following a subject vehicle for more than {15} minutes;

Answer 121

requires supervisory approval.

Question 122

.13A. However, once a subject vehicle speeds away or takes any evasive action in an effort to distance itself from police, regardless of whether emergency warning device have been activated, the officer shall;

Answer 122

immediately discontinue following the vehicle unless it meets the criteria for a pursuit.

Question 123

.13A. This technique is ideal for establishing reasonable suspicion and/or probable cause when dealing with DWI suspects.

Answer 123

Following a subject without engaging in apprehension efforts.

Question 124

.13B. Boxing-In: The managing Supervisor may take advantage of situations where the fleeing vehicle is slowed to;

Answer 124

a near stop by traffic conditions or other obstacles, or while traveling at speeds less than {30} miles per hour.

Question 125

.13B. The managing supervisor may direct assisting police vehicles to box in the fleeing vehicle while less than 30, or nearly stopped, utilizing officers that have.

Answer 125

completed boxing-in training. No other manner of boxing-in is authorized

Question 126

.13C. Officers may deploy a Tire Deflation Device in accordance with appropriate SOP, if they have completed the;

Answer 126

Tire Deflation Device (TDD) training, with approval from a supervisor, .

Question 127

.14A. In all instances where a suspect evades police and /or a pursuit is terminated, all pertinent information will be entered into the;

Answer 127

Be On the Look Out (BOLO) System and a follow-up investigation will be conducted.

Question 128

.14A. Suspect and Vehicle information will be entered as either:

Answer 128

a. Pursuit – SUSPECT; or

b. Pursuit – ARRESTED

Question 129

.14A. Pursuit – suspect entries will remain valid for;

Answer 129

{2} calendar years and Pursuit – ARRESTED entries

will remain valid for one calendar year.

Question 130

.14A. The following pertinent incident data will be entered into the COMMENTS section of the BOLO notice:

Answer 130

a. Location;
b. Circumstances;
c. CFS number;
d. Other data of investigative value.

Question 131

.14B. Any Officer involved in a pursuit where the suspect evades apprehension or where a pursuit is terminated will contact;

Answer 131

the Communications Office and ensure that a BOLO is generated;

Question 132

.14B. The officer will generate a report for the offense of EVADING ARREST OR DETENTION, and forward a copy of the report to the;

Answer 132

Traffic Investigation Detail {TID}

Question 133

.14C. Will be consulted on evading cases, and will coordinate with Patrol or follow-up units handling the primary offense, to ensure timely and accurate handling of any evidence collection and execution of warrants that may be generated.

Answer 133

The Traffic Investigations Detail (TID)

Question 134

.14C. Will ensure that the BOLO system is updated, via the Communications Office, when changes to the status of the pursuit category (Suspect or Arrested) are needed.

Answer 134

TID or the follow-up unit assigned to investigate the case