NCJ Number
164741
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: (1996) Pages: 55-77
Date Published
1996
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Police pursuit driving was studied in terms of the characteristics of pursuits that are common in pursuit-related accidents.
Abstract
The research used data collected by a large metropolitan police agency between September 1985 and January 1992. The agency requires a pursuit incident report to be filed for every pursuit that occurs regardless of whether an accident occurs. The agency has more than 1,500 sworn personnel and approximately 600 vehicles. The analysis focused on the 1,064 pursuits that occurred during the study period. Results revealed that about one-third of all pursuits ended in an accident. In addition, a limited number of factors were associated with the accidents. The most significant implication of the research was that pursuit policy should include an ongoing evaluation of the pursuit and perhaps its cessation if it continues into another jurisdiction. Coordination and communications between neighboring jurisdictions in picking up the pursuit at the borders could result in fewer accidents, thereby increasing the effectiveness of pursuits while reducing civil liability. Findings also contradicted earlier research and revealed that accidents are more likely when more than one police unit is involved and when the pursuit occurs on a non-expressway roadway. Finally, speed had little to do with the outcome. Tables, notes, and 33 references