By Richard E. Schardan, Sr. (Ret. Police Chief) When is it Too Risky? This is usually a subjective answer based on the perception of the pursuing officer or a supervisor.

… risks associated with continued pursuit are greater than the public safety benefit of making an immediate apprehension. International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Vehicular Pursuit Model Policy December 2015 The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Vehicular Pursuit Model Policy states an officer should terminate the pursuit whenever he or she reasonably believes the risks associated with continued pursuit are greater than the public safety benefit of making an immediate apprehension.

The primary unit & supervisor shall continually reevaluate and assess the pursuit situation including all of the initiating factors… International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Vehicular Pursuit Model Policy December 2015 The model policy advises to continually evaluate the situation and use the initiating factors as a guide for judging risk and continuing a pursuit.

The IACP 2015 Vehicular Pursuit Model Policy states: The IACP revised their model policy in December 2015.

The seriousness of the offense Known information on the suspect To Pursue or Not Pursue In deciding whether to initiate a pursuit, the officer shall take into consideration items (a) through (m): The seriousness of the offense Known information on the suspect These factors should be included in your policy.

c. Road configuration (e.g. interstate, divided highway, work zone) To Pursue or Not Pursue c. Road configuration (e.g. interstate, divided highway, work zone) d. Physical location & population density (e.g. residential area, school zone, business district) Policymakers should consider their own jurisdiction’s environment and enhance the model policy to meet their conditions.

e. Existence of vehicular and pedestrian traffic To Pursue or Not Pursue e. Existence of vehicular and pedestrian traffic f. Lighting and visibility g. Weather and environmental conditions The policy should guide and advise officers what conditions are or are not acceptable for pursuit behavior.

i. Officer training and experience j. Available equipment To Pursue or Not Pursue h. The relative performance capabilities of the pursuit vehicle and the vehicle being pursued i. Officer training and experience j. Available equipment Officers should know the capabilities of their vehicle and stay within their training.

k. Speed and evasive tactics employed by the suspect To Pursue or Not Pursue k. Speed and evasive tactics employed by the suspect l. Presence of other persons in the police and suspect vehicle m. Other condition or situation that would create an unreasonable risk Policy should describe conditions that require termination of the pursuit.

When is it Too Risky? Policy should increase the objectivity and reduce the subjectivity of the decision.

The Seriousness of the Offense What offenses should be pursued? Misdemeanor, traffic, DUI, felony, or violent felony only? Property crimes or crimes against persons?

Known Information on the Suspect Is the driver or vehicle registration identified? Can the person be arrested later?

Population Density and Vehicular and Pedestrian Traffic Are there schools, churches, hospitals, or businesses that create heavy pedestrian or vehicular traffic at certain times? Does rush hour or special events create congestion areas?

Road, Weather & Environmental Conditions Are certain roads unsafe to travel at high speeds such as gravel, t-intersections, dangerous intersections or curves? What impact does weather have on driving conditions on certain roads? Should certain roadways (residential, county, state, or interstate) have speed restrictions?

Relative Performance Capabilities of Pursuit Vehicle and Vehicle Being Pursued Should motorcycles or high performance sports cars be pursued? When should unmarked and non-pursuit rated vehicles be involved in a pursuit?

Consider Occupants of Fleeing Vehicle & Civilians in Police Vehicle Who are the passengers of the fleeing vehicle? Are they teenagers, small children, or elderly? Is the fleeing driver an inexperienced driver? Are prisoners or other civilians in the police vehicle?

Thank you for viewing. Please consider our other materials on policy and training. As a policymaker you should develop predetermined conditions when to engage, driving behavior, and termination of a vehicular pursuit. The policy should have the safety of the officer, fleeing person, and public as top priority.