NCJ Number
164556
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 65 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1996) Pages: 16-19
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Within the last decade, police vehicle pursuits have become a major concern to law enforcement administrators due primarily to liability issues and negative media attention; recognizing the need for an alternative to traditional pursuits, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in Tampa, Florida, has developed the Vehicle Intercept Program.
Abstract
Vehicle interception rests on the premise that most suspects in vehicles will not flee as long as police officers keep their lights and sirens off, thus giving deputies the opportunity to develop a containment plan. A vehicle intercept uses police vehicles to block a suspect's vehicle that is slowing, stopped, or just beginning to move at an intersection, driveway, or parking lot. Only two driver categories qualify for interception, felony suspects and impaired drivers who pose a threat to public safety. The decision to use or participate in a vehicle intercept rests solely with each deputy and does not require supervisory authorization. Vehicle intercept training consists of a 4-hour module divided into two segments--classroom instruction and practical exercises. The Vehicle Interception Program does not eliminate the need for all police pursuits but does provide a viable alternative to many of them. 2 endnotes, 3 figures, and 5 photographs