Whether you’ve just been pulled over by a police officer or you’ve witnessed a pursuit, you may be wondering if it’s OK to report it. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Defining a pursuit
Defining a pursuit involves a number of elements. The New York State Police Field Manual defines a pursuit as a “active attempt to apprehend a fleeing subject” and a “knowing attempt to avoid apprehension.”
Another way of defining a pursuit is by looking at the amount of information that’s available to police officers. For example, a large agency reduced pursuits by 80 percent. This is a good example of using data to validate a policy. However, the information may not be relevant to all pursuits.
The Markov decision process (MDP) is a method of describing multi-stage decision making in a probabilistic environment. The MDP uses a greedy path planning algorithm to guide pursuers through a pursuit.
The Pursuit-Evasion problem is a classic example of a sequential decision problem. The algorithm measures the impact of pursuit groups on the success of the pursuit.
Another important consideration is that the winner of a pursuit isn’t necessarily the officer. It’s also important to distinguish between pursuits and pursuit-related collisions. The number of collisions can vary from region to region, and as research and technology improves, the number of crashes may decline.
There’s no question that a police pursuit is a risky proposition. But many people balance the risks with the need to apprehend dangerous offenders. In California, 71 percent of pursuits lead to apprehension. Some people believe that this is due to proactive policing in targeted areas, while others believe it’s due to the sheer size of the state. Regardless of the reasons, many policy makers and supervisors believe there are few circumstances in which a high-speed pursuit is justified Online Business
A good example of this is the study of novice law enforcement drivers. The study revealed several deficiencies, including a lack of skills in anticipating pursuits and working with other officers. Using simulation technology, novice drivers can learn to better anticipate and communicate with other drivers.
Terminating a pursuit
Several factors determine when a police pursuit should end. These include speed, apprehension potential, the identity of the suspect and the location of the vehicle. The decision must be made with due regard for safety of all persons.
When an officer believes the pursuit is a good opportunity to end, the officer should notify the communications center. This is done by providing the Communication Center with the last known direction the suspect is headed. In addition, the officer should give the last known location of the suspect vehicle. The Communications Center then coordinates information with other agencies involved in the pursuit.
The pursuit may also be ended by an officer’s supervisor. In addition, a supervisor may terminate a pursuit if he or she has specific knowledge. The supervisor may also terminate a pursuit if he or she believes that the pursuit is in danger. This may occur if a physical hazard is located in the roadway.
An officer may also initiate a pursuit or continue a pursuit by deploying a mechanical stopping device. These devices are designed to deflate tires of a vehicle. When a police vehicle is involved in a pursuit, the vehicle must be equipped with an emergency light and siren. The siren can be heard up to 250 feet from the emergency police vehicle.
A secondary unit may also join a pursuit. This unit will maintain a safe distance behind the primary unit, and will assist with channelization. Depending on the circumstances, the backup unit may also assume the role of the primary unit. The backup unit will also provide the required pursuit information to the dispatcher.
Regardless of the unit involved, a police officer must follow the law, use sound discretion, and make objective decisions regarding pursuits.
Caravans of police vehicles in a pursuit situation are prohibited
Using a car as the canvas to retrace the steps of a rogue driver is a noble enough endeavor but the resulting high-risk, high-cost exercise is best left to the professionals. In particular, motorcycles are frowned upon and should be avoided at all costs.
In the pursuit game, the following are mandatory: a secondary unit whose job it is to keep the primary unit apprised of the goings on, a vehicle whose primary mission is to engage in pursuits, and finally, a primary unit which is tasked with the task of executing the latter two. The following are also required to function properly: a slew of well-trained police officers, a handful of boozehounds, and a bunch of nerds. In all, it’s a lot of work and a lot of booze.
It’s a good thing the requisite ops and opps are on hand and ready to go. After all, the law enforcement equivalent of the happy hour is likely to occur at all hours of the day and night. Regardless of the setting, the following aforementioned elements must be in place and ready to go: a well-trained officer, a slew of well-trained operatives, and a slew of boozehounds.
Having said that, the following should be the order of the day: a slew of well-trained law enforcement officers, a slew of boozehounds, and e-mails and phone calls from concerned citizens.
Back-up unit must immediately comply with an order to terminate the pursuit
Whether or not to engage in a pursuit is one of the most important decisions a law enforcement officer can make. The decision should be weighed against several factors. Among them are safety, public safety, and the likelihood of a successful apprehension.
If a pursuit is initiated by another agency, a back-up unit must immediately comply with an order to terminate the pursuit. The back-up unit is required to maintain visual contact with the primary unit. It must also control all call radio traffic and frequency changes. It is also required to broadcast a message, “PURSUIT IN PROGRESS.”
A police vehicle engaged in a pursuit must operate in a safe manner at all times. This includes operating in an emergency mode, such as alternating headlamps and sirens. It also must avoid collisions. In the event of a collision, an officer must report the incident to a dispatcher.
Pursuits should not be initiated outside of city limits. This is because it may result in serious injury. However, pursuits may be reinstated when the situation changes drastically.
When an officer engages in a pursuit, he must know the conditions of the area and its volume of other traffic. He must also know where to find cover. In addition, he must be able to determine if additional assistance is available from other agencies.
The primary unit will be the unit closest to the fleeing vehicle. It must also notify other units of the pursuit and its location. It must also notify other agencies when the pursuit crosses into another jurisdiction. The primary unit may also end the pursuit at any time.
A back-up unit will become the primary unit when the primary unit is unavailable. This will also happen when the primary unit reduces to a support unit.
Reporting a pursuit
Whether you are the police officer involved in a vehicle pursuit or a pursuing motorist, you need to report the incident. There are several different procedures you must follow.
The first step is to obtain information from the originating agency. This includes the unit number, description of the suspect vehicle and the nature of the violation. You also need to know the location and direction of travel. Depending on the circumstances of the pursuit, you may also need to provide additional information from involved parties.
You can report the incident by completing the Pursuit Report form, which is part of SPD form 95-OP-0209. You should complete the form and submit it to the proper supervisor. Your supervisor will evaluate the form and determine whether you are in compliance with the department’s pursuit policy. The commander of your agency may recommend disciplinary action for a violation of the policy.
The police communications officer will relay all information to the originating agency and the units involved in the pursuit. This includes the location, description of the suspect vehicle and the nature and degree of recklessness. The pursuit must be conducted in accordance with existing laws and city ordinances.
If you are a pursuing officer, you should always consider pedestrian safety first. During a pursuit, you should also avoid ramming and air bag activation. You should also place your vehicle in a location that is visible to the suspect. You should also consider establishing physical impediments to traffic such as barricades.
Once you have provided all of this information to the police communications officer, you will need to notify other agencies that you are engaged in a pursuit. You may also contact other law enforcement agencies in another parish to provide them with updates.
