Pursuit Vehicle Operations SOG 304.2 (SGT/2015)

Question 1

Can supervisors authorize a pursuit that does conform to policy?

Answer 1

-supervisors may authorize pursuits in exceptional circumstances which don’t otherwise conform to policy

Question 2

Defining a pursuit…?

Answer 2

• trying to avoid capture or failing to yield

- violent felony and DWI when they are presenting an imminent danger to the officer or others

Question 3

Reasons to consider termination of a VP?

Answer 3

• lack of backup
• known suspect
• juveniles in pursued vehicle
• loss of radio
• non-sworn in police car
• adverse weather/road conditions
• unfamiliar with area
• heavy vehicle/pedestrian traffic

Question 4

Mandatory termination if?

Answer 4

• termination of pursuit: suspect ignores solid red signals or has total disregard for their safety and public’s safety
• danger created by pursuit outweighs the need for apprehension
• terminate when ordered by supervisor

Question 5

Pursuit requirments/restrictions…?

Answer 5

• no more than 2 police vehicles actively involved in pursuit (shadowing is prohibited)
• use of controlled tire deflation device and roadblocks are authorized/canceled by supervisor
• tire deflation on motor cycles can only be used when deadly force is justified
• ramming is considered deadly force
• roadblocks only considered when other methods of apprehension have failed

Question 6

Pursuit duties:

Answer 6

• location, speed, DOT
• info on suspect vehicle/occupants
• reason for pursuit

Question 7

Supervisor duties during a VP?

Answer 7

• notify Watch Commander
• ensure radio channel is clear
• ensure no more than required units involved
• shall proceed to termination point and provide necessary supervision
• review Pursuit Report for compliance with policy and consistent with training, if not recommend disciplinary action

Question 8

Wathch commander duties?

Answer 8

Watch Commander shall assume overall command of the pursuit

Question 9

Pursuits into other jurisdictions:

Answer 9

• must be authorized and may be terminated by supervisor or Watch Commander
• supervisor should request assistance from the assisting agency
• if warrant or summons, can return suspect to Springfield to be booked
• if PC felony charge, suspect must be taken before a judge in the county where arrest happened
• if local agency wants to take custody of suspect for their charges, generally release suspect to them

Question 10

Pursuits into this jurisdiction:

Answer 10

• officers may assist in the pursuit at the request of the originating agency
• field supervisor will immediately approve or deny assistance
• tire deflation may be authorized even if pursuit does not meet our guidelines

Question 11

Who completes a report?

Answer 11

any officer participating in pursuit will complete a supplemental report

Question 12

Archiving of pursuit reports:

Answer 12

-routine pursuit reports will be archived for 3 years, pursuits involving injury for 5 years