NCJ Number
195905
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 71 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2002 Pages: 14-18
Editor(s)
John E. Ott
Date Published
July 2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the dangers and dynamics of high-speed police pursuits and the need for law enforcement agencies to provide appropriate pursuit training and policy clarity to reduce the risk of injury or death.
Abstract
An important law enforcement and public safety issue is the inherent risk of injury or death resulting from high-speed police pursuits. This article discusses both the dangers of pursuit and the need for training in pursuit, as well alternative methods to high-speed pursuits. The majority of police pursuits involve a stop for a traffic violation, with one person dying every day as a result of a police pursuit. In addition, 1 out of every 100 high-speed pursuits results in a fatality. It is clear that to reduce the dangers associated with pursuits, law enforcement agencies must increase effective training and provide clear pursuit policies. The pursuit training approach should teach officers the phenomena present while they pursue. An integral part of training involves giving officers a clear understanding about the decision to terminate a pursuit. It needs to be stressed that pursuits should be kept under control and termination should be an option. Alternatives to pursuit include: the use of spike strips or stop sticks; the use of an ultrasonic device causing the suspect’s vehicle electronic system to fail; the use of helicopters; and the increase in criminal sanctions. Taking such training and alternative initiatives helps departments increase the effectiveness of pursuits while reducing the risks to involved citizens and officers.