Escape From the Killing Zone

• NCJ Number: 194835
• Journal: FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 71 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2002 Pages: 1-7
• Author(s): Anthony J. Pinizzotto; Edward F. Davis; Charles E. Miller III
• Date Published: March 2002
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article uses an analysis of an incident in which a police officer was stabbed by a person the officer was pursuing in order to show the importance of exercising extreme caution when entering the "killing zone" (within a radius of 10 feet of a suspect).

Abstract

Before engaging in a foot pursuit of a suspect, officers must consider their physical and emotional preparedness for such a pursuit. When pursuits involve a young offender, an officer in poor physical condition or under emotional stress will not be prepared, either physically or mentally, to apprehend the suspect inside the "killing zone." Officers must also be cognizant of their familiarity with the area and surroundings where a pursuit occurs. A suspect familiar with an area can lay traps to draw an officer within the "killing zone." Officers must also consider that a suspect who flees an officer, particularly when the immediate contact involves a minor violation, may have committed a more serious previous crime that suggests he may be dangerous. Tactical considerations in managing the threat of the "killing zone" include using verbal commands to test the offender's compliance. If compliance does not occur, officers should not move closer until adequate assistance arrives. Officers should also create or maintain distance from a suspect until the suspect's intentions are clear and the officer is prepared to enter the "killing zone." There are also circumstances when an officer should contain the offender in an area, rather than rush into the "killing zone" to apprehend. Generally, officers must ensure that a suspect is not in a position to attack an officer when the officer enters the "killing zone" to apprehend and handcuff the suspect. Sufficient backup, suspect compliance with officer commands, and officer preparedness for the unexpected should be prerequisites for entering the "killing zone." Officers must be trained with the use of various scenarios that will prepare them to enter the "killing zone" in a cautious and safe manner. 5 notes