Section 305

Vehicle Pursuits
305.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this general order is to establish guidelines for use in a vehicle pursuit.

305.2 POLICY
It is the policy of this Department to protect lives and property of the citizens and visitors of the
City and to maintain the safety of its employees. Police vehicular pursuits are inherently
dangerous to those involved as well as the public at large. The Department general order
regarding vehicle pursuits is to manage pursuits in a responsible manner to reduce the risks
involved, as much as practical.

The primary consideration regarding a vehicular pursuit is an officer's obligation to balance

necessity for pursuit and immediate apprehension against the danger to life and property inherent
in pursuit situations.

305.3 DEFINITIONS
A. Blocking or Vehicle Intercept—A low-speed coordinated maneuver where two or more
law enforcement vehicles simultaneously intercept and block the movement of a subject
vehicle, the driver of which may be unaware of the impending enforcement stop, with the
goal of containment and preventing a pursuit. Blocking is not a moving or stationary
roadblock.
B. Boxing In—A tactic designed to stop a subject's vehicle by surrounding it with law
enforcement vehicles and then slowing all vehicles to a stop.
C. Controlling supervisor—The supervisor assigned to the pursuit and responsible for
managing the event.
D. Forced Pursuit Termination—The use of a device or technique in an attempt to
deliberately stop a subject’s vehicle.
E. Low—Speed Failure— to—Yield—The vehicle is traveling at/or below the speed
limit. The vehicle is yielding at intersections and traffic control devices. The suspect’s
driving is not creating a substantial risk to public safety but is still failing to stop as directed.
(Amended PDM-2023-1432-001)
F. Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT)—A low-speed maneuver intended to terminate the
pursuit by causing the subject's vehicle to spin and come to a stop.
G. Pursuit Unit—Any vehicle that engages in a vehicle pursuit. This general order
recognizes the following classes of vehicles.
1. Class One Unit—A clearly marked police vehicle with roof mounted emergency
lighting and a functional mobile video system (MVS).
2. Class Two Unit—A subtly marked police vehicle which does not have roof mounted
emergency lighting but has a functional mobile video system (MVS). Subtle markings
include “ghost lettering” on vehicles.
3. Class Three Unit—A clearly marked police motorcycle with a functional mounted
video recording system.
4. Class Four Unit—An unmarked police vehicle with functional emergency equipment.
H. Pursuit Trailing— The term trail means to follow the path of the pursuit at a safe speed
while obeying all traffic laws and without activating emergency equipment. If the pursuit is
at a slow rate of speed, the trailing unit shall maintain sufficient distance from the pursuit
 units to clearly indicate an absence of participation in the pursuit.
I. Ramming—The deliberate act of impacting a subject's vehicle with another vehicle to
functionally damage or otherwise force the violator's vehicle to stop.
J. Roadblocks—A tactic designed to stop a subject's vehicle by intentionally placing a
vehicle or other immovable object in the path of the violator's vehicle.
K. Termination—The immediate cessation of emergency lights and siren and a return to
normal driving speeds and behavior.
L. Tire Deflation Device—A device that extends across the roadway and is designed to
puncture the tires of the pursued vehicle.
M. Vehicle Pursuit—An active attempt by an on-duty law enforcement officer operating a
police unit, with appropriate emergency equipment, to apprehend one or more occupants
of a moving motor vehicle, providing the driver of such vehicle is aware of the attempt and
is resisting apprehension by maintaining or increasing speed or disobeying traffic laws to
evade detainment. (Amended PDM-2023-1432-001)

305.4 AUTHORITY TO INITIATE PURSUIT (TPCA 7.13)

An officer may initiate a pursuit only if all of the following conditions are present.
A. There is a reasonable belief that the immediate safety of the officer(s) or other(s) is
endangered.
B. There is a reasonable and articulable belief that the subject of the pursuit has committed
or is committing one of the following:
1. Felony involving violence.
2. Driving While Intoxicated.
C. Upon receiving written and articulable reason(s), in advance and in memorandum form,
from the Uniform Operations Division Captain, the Office of the Chief of Police may grant
a Special Order, authorizing a deviation regarding an officer’s authority to initiate a
pursuit(s). This temporary authority to initiate may be utilized to further the apprehension
of subject(s) committing specific, redundant crimes. (Amended PDM 2023-1432-001)

305.5 FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN PURSUIT DECISION

In addition to the requirements of §305.4, the following factors shall also be considered regarding
initiation or continuation of a pursuit.
A. The extent to which the subject may later be identified if not immediately apprehended.
B. Knowledge of subject's possible destination.
C. Driving conditions including the following:
1. Road conditions.
2. Weather.
3. Traffic and pedestrian density.
4. Available escape routes.
5. Driving behavior of the subject of the pursuit.
6. Speed of the pursuit.
a. The speed of a pursuit is a factor that should be evaluated on a continuing basis
by the officer and controlling supervisor.
b. Evaluation of vehicle speeds shall take into consideration the safety of officers, the
public, and the occupants of the fleeing vehicle.
c. Should high vehicle speeds be reached during a pursuit, officers and the
controlling supervisor shall also consider these factors when determining the
reasonableness of continuing the pursuit.
1. Pursuit speeds have become unreasonable for the conditions (weather, traffic
 volume, pedestrians, etc.).
2. Pursuit speeds have exceeded the driving ability of the subject.
3. Pursuit speeds are beyond the driving capabilities of the pursuing officer
making its continued operation unsafe.
D. The controlling supervisor may authorize a pursuit to continue beyond the city limits.
However, as the pursuit moves further away from the city limits, the controlling supervisor
should consider termination of the pursuit.

305.6 EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

Officers may initiate a pursuit only if all available emergency equipment on the unit is functional.
Units must be equipped with emergency red and blue lights and audible siren. Officers shall
immediately activate all emergency equipment upon the initiation of a vehicle pursuit.

305.7 TERMINATION OF PURSUIT REQUIRED (TPCA 7.13)

Pursuits shall be terminated when any of the following conditions are met.
A. On order of a supervisor.
B. When any involved unit believes concern for life or property outweighs the need for the
pursuit.
C. When units lose more than momentary sight of the subject.
D. When weather or traffic conditions present unsafe or challenging circumstances to any
driver.
E. When the pursuit exceeds the driving ability of the subject of the pursuit.
F. When the pursuit approaches or enters an active school zone.
G. Officers shall not pursue a vehicle the wrong way on a divided highway, roadway, or one-
way street. In the event that an officer is in pursuit and the vehicle being pursued enters
the divided highway or roadway the wrong way, the following options available to the
pursuing officer should be considered.
1. Attempt to maintain visual contact with the subject vehicle by paralleling on the
appropriate side of the divided highway or roadway.
2. Request other units to observe the exits available to the subject vehicle considering
the violator's direction of travel.
3. Notify other concerned agencies.

305.8 PURSUIT PROHIBITED

An officer shall not engage in a pursuit if there is a prisoner, complainant, civilian rider, or witness
in the officer's vehicle.

305.9 RESTRICTIONS ON TYPES OF UNITS AUTHORIZED TO ENGAGE IN PURSUIT

A. Class One or Class Two units may engage in vehicle pursuits within the parameters of
this general order.
B. Class Three units (motorcycle) may initiate vehicle pursuits until such time as a Class One
or Class Two unit is available to assume the responsibilities of the primary unit and when
a second marked unit is available to engage in the pursuit. The motorcycle officer shall
abandon the pursuit and cease emergency status when two Class One or Class Two units
are present, regardless of jurisdiction.
C. Class Four may initiate vehicle pursuits until such time as a Class One or Class Two unit
 is available to assume the responsibilities of the primary unit and a secondary Class One
or Class Two unit is available to engage in the pursuit. When both a primary and secondary
unit are engaged in the pursuit, the Class Four unit shall abandon the pursuit and cease
emergency status regardless of jurisdiction.

305.10 RESTRICTIONS ON NUMBER OF UNITS ENGAGED IN PURSUIT

A. Vehicle pursuits shall be limited to a maximum of three units as follows.
1. The primary unit
2. The secondary unit
3. A supervisor unit
B. Units not assigned to the pursuit shall remain in their assigned district and available for
call.
C. No other unit shall become involved in or move toward the route of a pursuit except as
authorized by a controlling supervisor.
D. Intercepting units shall never intersect the path of an oncoming pursued vehicle.
E. There shall be no caravanning of units either behind a subject vehicle or on routes parallel
to a pursuit.
F. No unit shall attempt to pass the primary unit unless ordered to do so by a controlling
supervisor or at the request of the primary unit.

305.11 PRIMARY UNIT RESPONSIBILITIES

A. The initial pursuing officer shall be designated as the primary pursuit unit and shall be
responsible for the conduct of the pursuit unless unable to remain reasonably close
enough to the subject's vehicle.
B. The primary responsibility of the officer initiating the pursuit is the apprehension of the
subject(s) without unreasonable danger to themselves or other persons.
C. The primary unit should immediately notify the Communications Center that a vehicle
pursuit has been initiated and, as soon as practicable, provide information including, but
not limited to:
1. Reason for the pursuit.
2. Location and direction of travel.
3. License plate of the fleeing vehicle.
4. Speed of the fleeing vehicle.
5. Description of the fleeing vehicle.
6. Number of occupants.
7. The identity or description of the known occupants.
8. Information concerning the use of firearms, threat of force, injuries, hostages or other
unusual hazards.
D. Unless circumstances reasonably indicate otherwise, the primary unit should relinquish
the responsibility of broadcasting the progress of the pursuit to a secondary unit,
supervisor, or aircraft joining the pursuit to minimize distractions and allow the primary unit
to concentrate foremost on safe pursuit tactics.

305.12 SECONDARY UNIT(S) RESPONSIBILITIES

The second officer in the pursuit is responsible for the following:
A. Immediately notifying the Emergency Communications Specialist of entry into the pursuit.
B. Remaining at a safe distance behind the primary unit unless directed to assume the role
of primary officer, or if the primary unit is unable to continue the pursuit.
 C. Broadcasting the progress of the pursuit unless the situation indicates otherwise.
(Amended PDM 2022-1160-001)

305.13 FORCED PURSUIT TERMINATION (TPCA 7.18)

A. The decision to authorize a Forced Pursuit Termination may be made only when, after
exhausting the limits of this general order, a controlling supervisor holds articulable belief
that the risks of apprehension of a subject outweigh the risks to officers or others if no
attempt to end the pursuit is made.
B. Forced Pursuit Terminations may be accomplished by use of tire deflation device.
C. The following practices are prohibited except where lethal force is authorized.
1. Ramming
2. Blocking
3. Boxing
4. Pursuit Intervention Technique
5. Roadblocks
6. Intentionally forcing the pursued vehicle off the roadway
7. Shooting at the pursued vehicle, except as provided in §201.17 (D) of this general
order manual.

305.14 USE OF TIRE DEFLATION DEVICE (TPCA 7.19)

A. The purpose of deploying a tire deflation device is to safely prevent and quickly terminate
pursuits in order to minimize the risk of injury or damage.
B. Tire deflation devices shall only be deployed by officers who have successfully completed
training in their use. Supervisors shall be responsible for inspecting and maintaining all
issued equipment.
C. Balancing the safety of citizens and the occupants of the fleeing vehicle, a controlling
supervisor may authorize the deployment of a tire deflation device in a Forced Pursuit
Termination if the following criteria are met.
1. An officer has attempted to stop the vehicle using both emergency lights and siren and
reasonably believes the subject knows the officer is attempting to stop the vehicle.
2. Sworn personnel with Department recognized tire deflation device training can safely
deploy the device in accordance with established safety guidelines.
D. Tire deflation devices may be deployed on a vehicle when there is reasonable cause to
believe that the driver is or may intend to flee from an officer conducting a lawful detention
or for tactical purposes to preserve officer safety.
E. Pursuing officers shall communicate to the deploying unit all necessary information to
identify the target vehicle.
F. The deploying unit must consider the following.
1. Location (making use of natural barriers of protection such as overpass pylons, guard
rails, bridges, and shrubbery that may offer a degree of protection or concealment),
traffic conditions, roadway configurations, and adequate sight distance so that the
pursuit and other traffic may be seen as it approaches.
2. The deploying unit shall be in position to allow sufficient time for proper deployment
and will advise pursuing units of the deployment. The pursuing units will slow
sufficiently prior to reaching the deployment location to allow the deploying officer time
to retrieve the tire deflation device before passing through.
3. The tire deflation device will not be used on the following vehicles.
a. Vehicles with less than four wheels (motorcycles, ATV’s, etc.).
b. Any vehicle transporting hazardous materials.
 c. Any vehicle where it is known that a child is in the vehicle.
4. Extreme caution will be used if equipment is deployed on the following.
a. Tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, etc. (due to unknown nature of cargo).
b. Public transportation vehicles, including buses, motor coaches, vans, etc. (due to
innocent third parties that may be inside).
5. Officers with tire deflation devices shall not attempt to overtake and pass a pursuit in
order to deploy the tire deflation device.
G. If tire deflation devices are successfully deployed, this does not invoke any obligation on
the pursuing officers’ decision to continue or terminate a pursuit. Officers are not obligated,
nor should they continue under unsafe conditions merely because tire deflation devices
have been used.
H. After use of the tire deflation devices, the deploying officer will inspect for damage and
replace missing spikes or ensure the device is replaced.
I. Documentation via memorandum shall be completed by the deploying officer if damage
occurs to the subject’s vehicle (including tires), or any other property.

305.15 PURSUIT TRAILING AUTHORIZED

A. In the event the initiating unit from this agency either relinquishes control of the pursuit to
another unit or jurisdiction, that initiating unit may, with permission of the controlling
supervisor, trail the pursuit, in a Code 1 status, to the termination point to provide
necessary information and assistance for the arrest of the subject(s).
B. Units engaged in pursuit trailing shall broadcast that they are trailing.
C. Nothing in this general order prohibits from re-engaging a subject after a pursuit has been
terminated.

305.16 AIRCRAFT ASSISTANCE

A. When available, aircraft assistance should be requested. Once the air unit has established
visual contact with the pursued vehicle, it should assume control over the pursuit.
B. The primary and secondary ground units should consider the participation of aircraft
assistance when determining whether to continue the pursuit.
C. The air unit should coordinate the activities of resources on the ground, report progress of
the pursuit and provide officers and supervisors with details of upcoming traffic congestion,
road hazards or other pertinent information to evaluate whether to continue the pursuit. If
ground units are not within visual contact and the air unit determines that it is unsafe to
continue the pursuit, the air unit should recommend terminating the pursuit.

305.17 CONTROLLING SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

A. It is the general order of this Department that available supervisory and management
control shall be exercised over all vehicle pursuits involving officers from this Department.
B. The controlling supervisor shall be responsible for the following.
1. Upon becoming aware of a pursuit, immediately ascertain all reasonably available
information to continuously assess the situation and the risk factors associated with
the pursuit in order to ensure that the pursuit is conducted within established
Department general orders.
2. Acknowledge command of the pursuit over the radio.
3. Shall assume control by giving directions deemed necessary to implement this general
order and make decisions about continuing or terminating the pursuit based upon their
knowledge or a recommendation from the involved units.
 4. Engage in the pursuit, when appropriate, to provide on-scene supervision.
5. Ensuring compliance to this general order.
6. Monitor the pursuit and discontinue the pursuit when it is unsafe to continue and/or
when it violates this general order.
7. Ensure that aircraft assistance is requested, if available and appropriate to do so.
8. Ensure the notification and/or coordination of outside agencies if the pursuit either
leaves or is likely to leave the jurisdiction of this agency.
9. Control and manage Department units when a pursuit enters another jurisdiction.
10. Ensure a pursuit report is completed.
11. If the controlling supervisor deems necessary, all vehicles involved in a pursuit will be
removed from service for an official post-pursuit inspection before being returned for
duty use.
12. Upon request, an official post-pursuit inspection will be performed by equipment
services personnel.
C. When a pursuit terminates due to an arrest, the controlling supervisor will ensure that the
officers participating in a pursuit will, if necessary:
1. Provide for transportation of arrested persons;
2. Provide disposition of any passenger(s);
3. Provide for the disposition of the pursued vehicle; and
4. Coordinate all reports, citations, and applicable criminal charges.
D. As a matter of professional courtesy, when a supervisor from the agency where the pursuit
terminated responds to the location of termination, they will be informed of pertinent
information regarding the pursuit.

305.18 COMMUNICATIONS CENTER RESPONSIBILITY

Upon notification that a pursuit has been initiated, the Communications Center shall be
responsible for the following.
A. Assign a controlling supervisor if one has not already been established.
B. Close the channel for emergency traffic only and maintain radio discipline. This channel
will be used for the primary, secondary, and supervisory units assigned to the pursuit.
C. Coordinate communications among the involved units and personnel.
D. Notify and coordinate with other involved or affected agencies as practicable.
E. Assign an incident number and log all pursuit activities.
F. Broadcast pursuit updates as well as other pertinent information as necessary.
G. Notify the Shift Lieutenant as soon as practicable, if available.
H. When a pursuit enters a different jurisdiction, the Communication Center will relay to the
appropriate jurisdiction all pertinent information regarding the pursuit as mandated in the
provisions of the Inter-Jurisdiction Pursuit general order. The Communication Center will
continue to monitor and manage the pursuit just as if it were in the City.

305.19 INTER-JURISDICTION PURSUITS

The following general orders govern Department operations regarding interjurisdictional pursuits.
A. Grapevine Pursuits into Other Jurisdictions
1. The Communications Center shall notify the interjurisdictional agency of the following.
a. That a pursuit has entered their jurisdiction
b. Location and direction of travel
c. Reason for the pursuit
d. Request assistance, if needed
2. Other agencies may decline to participate in the pursuit.
 3. Other agencies may terminate their involvement in the pursuit at any time.
4. Department units shall be responsible for the pursuit.
B. Other Agency Pursuits into This Jurisdiction
1. The originating agency shall be responsible for the pursuit.
2. Department units shall only assist when requested.
3. Department units are governed by all applicable general orders of this Department
while engaged in the pursuit.
4. No more than three (3) Department units shall be engaged in the pursuit, at any time.
5. One engaged unit shall be the controlling supervisor.
6. If the pursuit enters another jurisdiction, Department units shall abandon the pursuit
when the following occurs:
a. two or more other agency units are involved in the pursuit.
b. At the direction of any Department supervisor
c. Unless a crime consistent with this general order was committed within
Department jurisdiction and the continued pursuit complies with this general order
7. If the originating agency terminates the pursuit, Department units shall also terminate
unless an offense, consistent with this general order, necessitates the continued
pursuit.

305.20 ARREST/DETAINMENT OF SUBJECTS

A. Proper self-discipline and sound professional judgment are the keys to a successful
conclusion of a pursuit and apprehension of fleeing subjects.
B. Officers shall comply with the Department’s Force Application general order.
C. Unless relieved by the controlling supervisor, the primary officer should coordinate efforts
to apprehend the subject(s) following the pursuit.
D. Officers should consider the safety of the public and the involved officers when formulating
plans to contain and capture the subject.
E. If another agency pursued the subject into the City, the other agency should affect the
arrest and transport of the arrested subject. Department Officers may complete the
following:
1. Vehicle impoundment(s)/tow(s)
2. Crime scene services
3. Crash report(s)
4. Summons medical assistance
5. Scene management and/or
6. When requested to do so, house an arrestee for the arresting agency.

305.21 REPORTING AND REVIEW REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLE PURSUIT (TPCA 7.14)
All appropriate crime/arrest reports and pursuit documentation shall be completed.
(Amended PDM 2023-1432-001)

305.22 ANNUAL REPORT

Annually, the Office of Professional Standards shall conduct a review and analysis of Department
vehicle pursuits. The review and analysis, minimally, should include information about general
order suitability, general order compliance, and training needs
305.23 REGULAR AND PERIODIC PURSUIT GENERAL ORDER TRAINING
In addition to initial and supplementary training on pursuits, all sworn members of this Department
shall participate, no less than annually, in regular and periodic Department training addressing
this general order and the importance of vehicle safety and protecting the public at all times.

305.24 REPORTING AND REVIEW REQUIREMENTS FOR LOW-SPEED-FAILURE-TO-YIELD

A. It shall not constitute pursuit driving as the fleeing vehicle follows all traffic regulations after
the officer activates the emergency warning lights and audible device (siren).
B. The appropriate crime/arrest report(s) shall be completed in a low-speed failure to yield
incident.
C. Pursuit documentation is not required in a low-speed failure to yield incident. (Amended
PDM 2023-1432-001)