NCJ Number
125124
Journal
State Peace Officers Journal Volume: 39 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1990) Pages: 53-57,127
Date Published
1990
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Relevant court decisions indicate that police agencies must have clear and rational policies and procedures for officer high-speed pursuits as well as adequate officer training if agencies are to avoid liability in the event of an injury or death resulting from such a pursuit.
Abstract
Court decisions require this because a high-speed vehicular pursuit is a recurring police duty and also involves the use of potentially lethal equipment, i.e., the police vehicle. Operational policies must be clearly written guidelines that protect the department and the individual officer. They must be specific to the agency's needs, uniformly understood, and followed by officers. Agencies should record all pursuits, whether successful or unsuccessful. This will document what is done right and what is done wrong and supply data for analysis. Officers must be trained in quality, job-specific driving knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Training should provide a realistic appraisal of the vehicle's capabilities, the officer's capabilities, and the danger and risk inherent in pursuits. Criteria for terminating a pursuit must be part of the training. Also, tougher laws should be enacted to ensure that sanctions for fleeing the police have reasonable potential for deterring such behavior.