Pursuit Procedures

Initiation of a Pursuit: Deputies may initiate a pursuit when they have reasonable grounds to believe a suspect has committed a serious offense and that immediate apprehension is necessary.

Risk Assessment: Before and during a pursuit, deputies are expected to assess the risks involved, including traffic conditions, weather, and the nature of the offense. Pursuits should be terminated if the dangers to public safety outweigh the need for apprehension.

 Communication: Communication during police pursuits is crucial for coordinating resources, ensuring the safety of officers and the public, and allowing for real-time decision-making. Constant updates from officers in pursuit provide dispatch with location, speed, and risk assessments, enabling supervisors to evaluate whether the pursuit should continue or be terminated. Communication also allows for the coordination of additional units, like air support or backup officers, and alerts other agencies or road units to manage traffic and prevent accidents. Ultimately, clear communication helps officers make informed decisions, follow department policies, and ensure that pursuits are carried out with minimal risk and maximum effectiveness.

• When initiating a pursuit you must use RTO, you announce a pursuit in progress by saying (R) Active 10-80, with a (vehicle description), current 10-20 is near (nearest landmark).

Termination of Pursuit: Deputies are required to terminate a pursuit if it becomes too dangerous, if the suspect's identity is known and can be apprehended later, or if directed by a supervisor.

PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique)

The PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique) is a law enforcement maneuver used to stop a fleeing vehicle during a high-speed pursuit. It involves an officer intentionally making contact with the rear corner of the suspect’s vehicle, typically by tapping the rear bumper with the front bumper of the pursuing patrol car. This causes the suspect’s vehicle to lose traction and spin out, bringing it to a stop. The PIT is a controlled, precise tactic that requires training to minimize the risk of injury to the officers, the suspect, and other road users. It is typically used when the pursuit is deemed dangerous, and other methods of stopping the vehicle are not feasible. However, it is only authorized under certain conditions, such as when the suspect poses a significant threat or when the risks of continuing the pursuit outweigh the potential benefits.

How to perform a PIT :

• Make sure that there are no surrounding civilians which could get harmed when the PIT is performed.

• Once the public is safe, approach the vehicle and over take it, when you are barely infront of the vehicle swerve infront of it to PIT it. (This is the only way due to how Greenville is made.)

• Once the vehicle has been PIT, announce it in the radio.

Spike Strips

Spike strips are used by law enforcement to safely and effectively stop a fleeing vehicle during a pursuit. These strips consist of a series of sharp metal spikes embedded in a rubber or plastic base. When a vehicle drives over the spike strip, the spikes puncture the tires, causing them to slowly deflate. This reduces the vehicle's speed and makes it harder for the suspect to continue fleeing. Spike strips are often deployed in situations where a pursuit is too dangerous to continue at high speeds, or when the risk to the public outweighs the benefits of chasing the suspect. They are typically used in controlled environments, such as roadblocks or with the coordination of backup units, to minimize harm and ensure the suspect's eventual capture.