NCJ Number
48364
Date Published
1973
Length
0 pages
Annotation
A DISCUSSION OF POLICE PURSUIT DRIVING IS PRESENTED IN THIS FILM, PROVIDING POLICE WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PROPER METHODS OF PURSUIT IN A VEHICLE CHASE.
Abstract
WHEN DRIVING IN A HIGH-SPEED AUTOMOBILE CHASE, POLICE OFFICERS ARE REMINDED THAT THE VIOLATOR ALWAYS MAKES THE RULES WHEN HE DECIDES HOW FAST AND WHERE HE IS GOING. HOWEVER, IT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER POLICE DEPARTMENTAL REGULATIONS IN PURSUIT DRIVING. THE OFFICER MUST DETERMINE THE REASON FOR CHASING THE CAR, HOW IMPORTANT IT IS THAT THE CAR BE STOPPED, AND WHAT THE VIOLATOR HAS DONE. THE DECISION TO CHASE THE CAR IS COMPLETELY UP TO THE POLICE OFFICER, BUT MANY POLICE DEPARTMENTS FORBID HIGH-SPEED CHASES. WITH ANY POLICE DRIVING, THE SKILL OF THE DRIVER IS MOST IMPORTANT. THE POLICE OFFICER MUST FOLLOW ALL DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES AND USE GOOD JUDGMENT. HE SHOULD USE HIS RADIO TO TRY TO SET UP A ROADBLOCK SO THAT THE OFFENDER CAN BE CAUGHT. POLICE OFFICERS MUST ALSO REMEMBER THAT THEY WILL NOT BE CRITICIZED FOR BREAKING OFF A CHASE WHEN THE DRIVER IS GOING TOO FAST OR WHEN LIVES MAY BE IN DANGER. THE ACTUAL RISKS INVOLVED IN THE CHASE SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY ASSESSED BEFORE THE POLICE OFFICER CONTINUES A CHASE. DRIVING SKILLS OF THE OFFICERS SHOULD BE TESTED PERIODICALLY TO INSURE SAFETY IN THEIR PERFORMANCES. IN THEIR BASIC TRAINING, POLICE OFFICERS ARE TAUGHT HOW TO DRIVE DEFENSIVELY, AND LEARN HOW TO CONTROL THEIR DRIVING TECHNIQUES AND REFLEXES. THE OFFICERS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY MUST USE A GREAT DEAL OF CAUTION IN AUTOMOBILE CHASES, SO THAT ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY POOR JUDGMENT CAN BE AVOIDED. AN INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE IS INCLUDED. (BAC)