Policy
314
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 1 Vehicle Pursuits
314.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Best Practice
This policy provides guidelines for vehicle pursuits in order to protect the safety of involved officers, the public, and fleeing suspects.
314.1.1 DEFINITIONS
State
Blocking - A low-speed tactic where one or more authorized police [department/office] emergency vehicles intentionally restrict the movement of a suspect vehicle, with the goal of containment or preventing a pursuit. Blocking is not boxing in or a roadblock.
Boxing-in - A tactic designed to stop a suspect’s moving vehicle by surrounding it with law enforcement vehicles and then slowing all vehicles to a stop.
Pursuit Intervention - An attempt to stop the suspect’s ability to continue to flee in a vehicle through tactical application of technology, tire deflation devices, blocking or vehicle intercept, boxing-in, the PIT (known as Pursuit Intervention Technique or Precision Immobilization Technique), ramming, or roadblock procedures.
Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) - A low-speed tactic intentionally applied to cause the suspect vehicle to spin out and terminate the pursuit.
Ramming - The deliberate act of impacting a suspect’s vehicle with another vehicle to functionally damage or otherwise force the suspect’s vehicle to stop.
Roadblocks - A tactic designed to stop a suspect’s vehicle by intentionally placing an emergency vehicle or other immovable object in the path of the suspect’s vehicle.
Tire deflation device - A device that extends across the roadway designed to puncture the tires of the pursued vehicle, sometimes referred to as spike strips.
Terminate - To discontinue a pursuit or stop chasing fleeing vehicles.
Trail - Following 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 vehicle will maintain sufficient distance from the pursuit vehicles so as to clearly indicate an absence of participation in the pursuit
Vehicle Pursuit - An event involving one or more law enforcement officers attempting to apprehend a suspect, who is attempting to avoid arrest while operating a motor vehicle by using high-speed driving or other evasive tactics, such as driving off a highway, turning suddenly, or driving in a legal manner but willfully failing to yield to an officer’s signal to stop. 314.2 OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
State
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Vehicle Pursuits
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 2 Vehicle pursuits shall only be conducted using authorized police [department/office] emergency vehicles that are equipped with and displaying emergency lighting and sirens as required by Vehicle Code § 21055. Officers are responsible for continuously driving with due regard and caution for the safety of all persons and property (Vehicle Code § 21056). 314.2.1 WHEN TO INITIATE A PURSUIT
State MODIFIED
Officers are authorized to initiate a pursuit when : the reasonably believes that a suspect, who has been given appropriate signal to stop by a law enforcement officer, is attempting to evade arrest or detention by fleeing in a vehicle.
- A suspect was involved in a violent felony and poses an ongoing and specific threat to public safety, or
- A person suspected of committing a crime is believed to be armed with a firearm and poses an ongoing and specific threat to public safety.
Any pursuit initiation outside of the above listed criteria must be approved by a Watch Commander.
Pursuit continuation requires positive affirmation from an on-duty supervisor, without delay, unless a situation meeting the above criteria unfolds quickly and enforcement action is more imminent than making an advisory. In all cases, the notification of a fleeing vehicle by the officer, and the positive affirmation to continue by the sergeant, must be made without delay.
Nothing in this policy precludes an officer from attempting to conduct a traffic stop. This policy applies when a violator is attempting to evade arrest or detention by fleeing in a vehicle.
Factors that should be considered in deciding whether to initiate a pursuit include:
(a) The seriousness of the known or reasonably suspected crime and its relationship to community safety.
(b) The importance of protecting the public and balancing the known or reasonably suspected offense and the apparent need for immediate capture against the risks to officers, innocent motorists, and others.
(c) The safety of the public in the area of the pursuit, including the type of area, time of day, the amount of vehicular and pedestrian traffic (e.g., school zones), and the speed of the pursuit relative to these factors.
(d) The pursuing officers' familiarity with the area of the pursuit, the quality of radio communications between the pursuing units and the [dispatcher supervisor, and the driving capabilities of the pursuing officers under the conditions of the pursuit. (e) Whether weather, traffic, and road conditions unreasonably increase the danger of the pursuit when weighed against the risk of the suspect's escape. (f) Whether the identity of the suspect has been verified and whether there is comparatively minimal risk in allowing the suspect to be apprehended at a later time. (g) The performance capabilities of the vehicles used in the pursuit in relation to the speeds and other conditions of the pursuit.
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Vehicle Pursuits
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 3 (h) Emergency lighting and siren limitations on unmarked police [department/office] vehicles that may reduce visibility of the vehicle, such as visor or dash-mounted lights, concealable or temporary emergency lighting equipment, and concealed or obstructed siren positioning.
(i) Suspect and officer vehicle speeds.
(j) Other persons in or on the pursued vehicle (e.g., passengers, co-offenders, hostages). (k) Availability of other resources such as air support or vehicle locator or deactivation technology.
314.2.2 WHEN TO TERMINATE A PURSUIT
State
Pursuits should be terminated whenever the totality of objective circumstances known or which reasonably ought to be known to the officer or supervisor during the pursuit indicates that the present risks of continuing the pursuit reasonably appear to outweigh the risks resulting from the suspect’s escape.
The factors listed in this policy on when to initiate a pursuit will apply equally to the decision to terminate a pursuit. Officers and supervisors must objectively and continuously weigh the seriousness of the offense against the potential danger to innocent motorists, themselves, and the public when electing to continue a pursuit.
In addition to the factors that govern when to initiate a pursuit, other factors should be considered in deciding whether to terminate a pursuit, including:
(a) The distance between the pursuing vehicle and the fleeing vehicle is so great that further pursuit would be futile or require the pursuit to continue for an unreasonable time and/or distance.
(b) The pursued vehicle’s location is no longer definitely known. (c) The pursuing vehicle sustains damage or a mechanical failure that renders it unsafe to drive.
(d) The pursuing vehicle’s emergency lighting equipment or siren becomes partially or completely inoperable.
(e) Hazards to uninvolved bystanders or motorists.
(f) The danger that the continued pursuit poses to the public, the officers, or the suspect, balanced against the risk of allowing the suspect to remain at large. (g) The identity of the suspect is known and it does not reasonably appear that the need for immediate capture outweighs the risks associated with continuing the pursuit. (h) Extended pursuits of violators for misdemeanors not involving violence, risk of serious harm, or weapons (independent of the pursuit) are generally discouraged. 314.2.3 SPEED LIMITS
State
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Vehicle Pursuits
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 4 The speed of a pursuit is a factor that should be evaluated on a continuing basis by the officer and supervisor. Evaluation of vehicle speeds should take into consideration public safety, officer safety, and the safety of the occupants of the fleeing vehicle.
Should high vehicle speeds be reached during a pursuit, officers and supervisors should also consider these factors when determining the reasonableness of the speed of the pursuit:
(a) Pursuit speeds have become unreasonably unsafe for the surrounding conditions. (b) Pursuit speeds have exceeded the driving ability of the officer. (c) Pursuit speeds are beyond the capabilities of the pursuit vehicle thus making its operation unsafe.
314.3 PURSUIT UNITS
State
When involved in a pursuit, unmarked police [department/office] emergency vehicles should be replaced by marked emergency vehicles whenever practicable Vehicle pursuits should be limited to three vehicles (two units and a supervisor); however, the number of units involved may vary with the circumstances.
An officer or supervisor may request additional units to join a pursuit if, after assessing the factors outlined above, it reasonably appears that the number of officers involved may be insufficient to safely arrest the suspects. All other officers should stay out of the pursuit, but should remain alert to its progress and location. Any officer who drops out of a pursuit may then, if necessary, proceed to the termination point at legal speeds, following the appropriate rules of the road. 314.3.1 MOTORCYCLE OFFICERS
State
When involved in a pursuit, police [department/office] motorcycles should be replaced by marked four-wheel emergency vehicles as soon as practicable.
314.3.2 VEHICLES WITHOUT EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
State
Officers operating vehicles not equipped with red light and siren are prohibited from initiating or joining in any pursuit.
314.3.3 PRIMARY UNIT RESPONSIBILITIES
State
The initial pursuing unit will be designated as the primary pursuit unit and will be responsible for the conduct of the pursuit unless the officer is unable to remain reasonably close to the suspect’s vehicle. The primary responsibility of the officer initiating the pursuit is the apprehension of the suspects without unreasonable danger to any person.
The primary unit should notify the [dispatcher commencing with a request for priority radio traffic, that a vehicle pursuit has been initiated, and as soon as practicable provide information including but not limited to:
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Vehicle Pursuits
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 5 (a) The location, direction of travel, and estimated speed of the suspect's vehicle. (b) The description of the suspect's vehicle including license plate number, if known. (c) The reason for the pursuit.
(d) Known or suspected weapons. Threat of force, violence, injuries, hostages, or other unusual hazards.
(e) The suspected number of occupants and identity or description. (f) The weather, road, and traffic conditions.
(g) The need for any additional resources or equipment. (h) The identity of other law enforcement agencies involved in the pursuit.
Until relieved by a supervisor or secondary unit, the officer in the primary unit is responsible for the broadcasting of the progress of the pursuit. Unless circumstances reasonably indicate otherwise, the primary pursuing officer should, as soon as practicable, relinquish the responsibility of broadcasting the progress of the pursuit to a secondary unit or air support joining the pursuit to minimize distractions and allow the primary pursuing officer to concentrate foremost on safe pursuit tactics.
314.3.4 SECONDARY UNIT RESPONSIBILITIES
State
The second officer in the pursuit will be designated as the secondary unit and is responsible for:
(a) Immediately notifying the dispatcher of entry into the pursuit. (b) Remaining a safe distance behind the primary unit unless directed to assume the role of primary pursuit vehicle or if the primary pursuit vehicle is unable to continue the pursuit.
(c) Broadcasting the progress, updating known or critical information, and providing changes in the pursuit, unless the situation indicates otherwise. (d) Identifying the need for additional resources or equipment as appropriate. (e) Serving as backup to the primary pursuing officer once the suspect has been stopped. 314.3.5 PURSUIT DRIVING
State
The decision to use specific driving tactics requires the same assessment of the factors the officer considered when determining whether to initiate and/or terminate a pursuit. The following are tactics for units involved in the pursuit:
(a) Officers, considering their driving skills and vehicle performance capabilities, will space themselves from other involved vehicles such that they are able to see and avoid hazards or react safely to maneuvers by the fleeing vehicle. (b) Because intersections can present increased risks, the following tactics should be considered:
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Vehicle Pursuits
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 6
1. Available units not directly involved in the pursuit may proceed safely to controlled intersections ahead of the pursuit in an effort to warn cross traffic.
2. Pursuing units should exercise due regard and caution when proceeding through controlled intersections.
(c) As a general rule, officers should not pursue a vehicle driving left of center (wrong way) against traffic. In the event that the pursued vehicle does so, the following tactics should be considered:
1. Requesting assistance from available air support.
2. Maintain visual contact with the pursued vehicle by paralleling it on the correct side of the roadway.
3. Request other units to observe exits available to the suspects. (d) Notify the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and/or other law enforcement agency if it appears that the pursuit may enter its jurisdiction.
(e) Officers involved in a pursuit should not attempt to pass other units unless the situation indicates otherwise or they are requested to do so by the primary unit and with a clear understanding of the maneuver process between the involved units. 314.3.6 TACTICS/PROCEDURES FOR UNITS NOT INVOLVED IN THE PURSUIT Agency Content
There should be no paralleling of the pursuit route. Officers are authorized to use emergency equipment at intersections along the pursuit path to clear intersections of vehicular and pedestrian traffic to protect the public. Officers should remain in their assigned area and should not become involved with the pursuit unless directed otherwise by a supervisor.
Non-pursuing personnel needed at the termination of the pursuit should respond in a non- emergency manner, observing the rules of the road.
The primary and secondary units should be the only units operating under emergency conditions (red light and siren) unless other units are assigned to the pursuit. 314.3.7 PURSUIT TRAILING
State
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 a supervisor, trail the pursuit to the termination point in order to provide information and assistance for the arrest of the suspects and reporting the incident.
314.3.8 AIR SUPPORT ASSISTANCE
State
When available, air support assistance should be requested. Once the air unit has established visual contact with the pursued vehicle, the unit should assume control over the pursuit. The primary and secondary ground units, or involved supervisor, will maintain operational control but Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Vehicle Pursuits
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 7 should consider whether the participation of air support warrants the continued close proximity and/or involvement of ground units in the pursuit.
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 of the pursued vehicle and the air support unit determines that it is unsafe to continue the pursuit, the air support unit should recommend terminating the pursuit. 314.4 SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND RESPONSIBILITIES
State
Available supervisory and management control will be exercised over all vehicle pursuits involving officers from this [department/office].
The field supervisor of the officer initiating the pursuit, or if unavailable, the nearest field supervisor will be responsible for:
(a) Immediately notifying involved unit and the [dispatcher of supervisory presence and ascertaining all reasonably available information to continuously assess the situation and risk factors associated with the pursuit.
(b) Engaging in the pursuit, when appropriate, to provide on-scene supervision. (c) Exercising management and control of the pursuit even if not engaged in it. (d) Ensuring that no more than the required number of units are involved in the pursuit under the guidelines set forth in this policy.
(e) Directing that the pursuit be terminated if, in the supervisor's judgment, it is unreasonable to continue the pursuit under the guidelines of this policy. (f) Ensuring that assistance from air support, canines, or additional resources is requested, if available and appropriate.
(g) Ensuring that the proper radio channel is being used. (h) Ensuring that the Watch Commander is notified of the pursuit as soon as practicable. (i) Ensuring the notification and/or coordination of outside agencies if the pursuit either leaves or is likely to leave the jurisdiction of this [department/office]. (j) Controlling and managing Alameda Police Department units when a pursuit enters another jurisdiction.
(k) Preparing a post-pursuit review and documentation of the pursuit.
1. Supervisors should initiate follow up or additional review when appropriate. 314.4.1 WATCH COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITIES
State
Upon becoming aware that a pursuit has been initiated, the Watch Commander should monitor and continually assess the situation and ensure the pursuit is conducted within the guidelines and Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Vehicle Pursuits
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 8 requirements of this policy. Once notified, the Watch Commander has the final responsibility for the coordination, control, and termination of a vehicle pursuit and shall be in overall command.
The Watch Commander shall review all pertinent reports for content and forward to the Bureau Commander.
314.5 THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
State
If the pursuit is confined within the City limits, radio communications will be conducted on the primary channel unless instructed otherwise by a supervisor or [dispatcher. If the pursuit leaves the jurisdiction of this [department/office] or such is imminent, involved units should, whenever available, switch radio communications to a tactical or emergency channel most accessible by participating agencies and units.
314.5.1 THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER RESPONSIBILITIES
State
Upon notification or becoming aware that a pursuit has been initiated, the [dispatcher is responsible for:
(a) Clearing the radio channel of non-emergency traffic. (b) Coordinating pursuit communications of the involved units and personnel. (c) Broadcasting pursuit updates as well as other pertinent information as necessary. (d) Ensuring that a field supervisor is notified of the pursuit. (e) Notifying and coordinating with other involved or affected agencies as practicable. (f) Notify the Watch Commander as soon as practicable.
(g) Assigning an incident number and logging all pursuit activities. 314.5.2 LOSS OF PURSUED VEHICLE
State
When the pursued vehicle is lost, the primary unit should broadcast pertinent information to assist other units in locating suspects. The primary unit or supervisor will be responsible for coordinating any further search for either the pursued vehicle or suspects fleeing on foot. 314.6 INTER-JURISDICTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
State
When a pursuit enters another agency's jurisdiction, the primary officer or supervisor, taking into consideration distance traveled, unfamiliarity with the area and other pertinent facts, should determine whether to request the other agency to assume the pursuit. Unless entry into another jurisdiction is expected to be brief, it is generally recommended that the primary officer or supervisor ensure that notification is provided to each outside jurisdiction into which the pursuit is reasonably expected to enter, regardless of whether such jurisdiction is expected to assist.
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Vehicle Pursuits
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 9 314.6.1 ASSUMPTION OF PURSUIT BY ANOTHER AGENCY
State
Officers will relinquish control of the pursuit when another agency has assumed the pursuit, unless the continued assistance of the Alameda Police Department is requested by the agency assuming the pursuit. Upon relinquishing control of the pursuit, the involved officers may proceed, with supervisory approval, to the termination point of the pursuit to assist in the investigation.
The supervisor should coordinate such assistance with the assuming agency and obtain any information that is necessary for any reports. Notification of a pursuit in progress should not be construed as a request to join the pursuit. Requests to or from another agency to assume a pursuit should be specific.
314.6.2 PURSUITS EXTENDING INTO THIS JURISDICTION
State
The agency that initiates a pursuit is responsible for conducting the pursuit. Units from this [department/office] should not join a pursuit unless specifically requested to do so by the pursuing agency and with approval from a supervisor. The exception to this is when a single unit from the initiating agency is in pursuit. Under this circumstance, a supervisor may authorize units from this [department/office] to join the pursuit until sufficient units from the initiating agency join the pursuit or until additional information is provided allowing withdrawal of the pursuit.
When a request is made for this [department/office] to assist or take over a pursuit that has entered the jurisdiction of Alameda Police Department, the supervisor should consider:
(a) The public's safety within this jurisdiction.
(b) The safety of the pursuing officers.
(c) Whether the circumstances are serious enough to continue the pursuit. (d) Whether there is adequate staffing to continue the pursuit. (e) The ability to maintain the pursuit.
As soon as practicable, a supervisor or the Watch Commander should review a request for assistance from another agency. The Watch Commander or supervisor, after considering the above factors, may decline to assist in, or assume the other agency’s pursuit.
Assistance to a pursuing allied agency by officers of this [department/office] will terminate at the City limits provided that the pursuing officers have sufficient assistance from other sources.
Ongoing participation from this [department/office] may continue only until sufficient assistance is present.
In the event that a pursuit from another agency terminates within this jurisdiction, officers should provide appropriate assistance to officers from the allied agency including but not limited to scene control, coordination and completion of supplemental reports, and any other reasonable assistance requested or needed.
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Vehicle Pursuits
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 10 314.7 WHEN PURSUIT INTERVENTION IS AUTHORIZED
State
Whenever practicable, an officer shall seek approval from a supervisor before employing any intervention to stop the pursued vehicle. In deciding whether to use intervention tactics, officers/ supervisors should balance the risks of allowing the pursuit to continue with the potential hazards to the public arising from the use of each tactic, the officers, and persons in or on the pursued vehicle to determine which, if any, intervention tactic may be reasonable. 314.7.1 USE OF FIREARMS
State
An officer should only discharge a firearm at a moving vehicle or its occupants when the officer reasonably believes there are no other reasonable means available to avert the threat of the vehicle, or if deadly force other than the vehicle is directed at the officer or others.
Officers should not shoot at any part of a vehicle in an attempt to disable the vehicle (see the Use of Force Policy).
314.7.2 INTERVENTION STANDARDS
State
Any intervention tactic, depending upon the conditions and circumstances under which it is used, may present dangers to the officers, the public, or anyone in or on the vehicle being pursued.
Certain applications of intervention tactics may be construed to be a use of force, including deadly force, and subject to the policies guiding such use. Officers should consider these facts and requirements prior to deciding how, when, where, and if an intervention tactic should be employed. (a) Blocking should only be used after giving consideration to the following:
1. The technique should only be used by officers who have received training in the technique.
2. The need to immediately stop the suspect vehicle or prevent it from leaving reasonably appears to outweigh the risks of injury or death to occupants of the suspect vehicle, officers, or other members of the public.
3. It reasonably appears the technique will contain or prevent the pursuit. (b) The PIT should only be used after giving consideration to the following:
1. The technique should only be used by officers who have received training in the technique, including speed restrictions.
2. Supervisory approval should be obtained before using the technique.
3. The need to immediately stop the suspect vehicle reasonably appears to outweigh the risks of injury or death to occupants of the suspect vehicle, officers, or other members of the public.
4. It reasonably appears the technique will terminate or prevent the pursuit. (c) Ramming a fleeing vehicle should only be done after giving consideration to the following:
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Vehicle Pursuits
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 11
1. Supervisory approval should be obtained before using the technique.
2. The need to immediately stop the suspect vehicle reasonably appears to substantially outweigh the risks of injury or death to occupants of the suspect vehicle, officers, or other members of the public.
3. It reasonably appears the technique will terminate or prevent the pursuit.
4. Ramming may be used only under circumstances when deadly force would be authorized.
5. Ramming may be used when all other reasonable alternatives have been exhausted or reasonably appear ineffective.
(d) Before attempting to box a suspect vehicle during a pursuit the following should be considered:
1. The technique should only be used by officers who have received training in the technique.
2. Supervisory approval should be obtained before using the technique.
3. The need to immediately stop the suspect vehicle reasonably appears to outweigh the risks of injury or death to occupants of the suspect vehicle, officers, or other members of the public.
4. It reasonably appears the technique will terminate or prevent the pursuit. (e) Tire deflation devices should only be used after considering the following:
1. Tire deflation devices should only be used by officers who have received training in their use.
2. Supervisory approval should be obtained before using tire deflation devices.
3. The need to immediately stop the suspect vehicle reasonably appears to outweigh the risks of injury or death to occupants of the suspect vehicle, officers, or other members of the public.
4. It reasonably appears the use will terminate or prevent the pursuit.
5. Tire deflation devices should not be used when the pursued vehicle is a motorcycle, a vehicle transporting hazardous materials, or a school bus transporting children, except in extraordinary circumstances.
6. Due to the increased risk to officers deploying tire deflation devices, such deployment should be communicated to all involved personnel. (f) Roadblocks should only be used after considering the following:
1. Roadblocks should only be used by officers who have received training in their use.
2. Supervisory approval should be obtained before using the technique.
3. The need to immediately stop the suspect vehicle reasonably appears to substantially outweigh the risks of injury or death to occupants of the suspect vehicle, officers, or other members of the public.
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Vehicle Pursuits
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 12
4. It reasonably appears the technique will terminate or prevent the pursuit.
Roadblocks may be used only under circumstances when deadly force would be authorized.
5. Roadblocks may be used when all other reasonable alternatives have been exhausted or reasonably appear ineffective.
314.7.3 CAPTURE OF SUSPECTS
State
Proper self-discipline and sound professional judgment are the keys to a successful conclusion of a pursuit and apprehension of evading suspects. Officers shall use only that amount of force, which reasonably appears necessary under the circumstances, to accomplish a legitimate law enforcement purpose.
Unless relieved by a supervisor, the primary pursuing officer should coordinate efforts to apprehend the suspects following the pursuit. Officers should consider safety of the public and the involved officers when formulating plans for setting up perimeters or for containing and capturing the suspects.
314.8 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
State MODIFIED
All appropriate reports should be completed to comply with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
(a) The primary officer should complete appropriate crime/arrest reports. (b) The Watch Commander shall ensure that an Allied Agency Vehicle Pursuit Report (form CHP 187A) is filed with the CHP not later than 30 days following the pursuit (Vehicle Code § 14602.1). The primary officer should complete as much of the required information on the form as is known and forward the report to the Watch Commander for review and distribution.
(c) After first obtaining the available information, the involved, or if unavailable on- duty, field supervisor shall promptly complete all relevant reports a Supervisor's Log or interoffice memorandum, briefly summarizing the pursuit to the Chief of Police or the authorized designee. This report log or memorandum should include, at a minimum:
1. Date and time of pursuit.
2. Initial reason and circumstances surrounding the pursuit.
3. Length of pursuit in distance and time, including the starting and termination points.
4. Involved units and officers.
5. Alleged offenses.
6. Whether a suspect was apprehended, as well as the means and methods used.
7. Any use of force that occurred during the vehicle pursuit.
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Vehicle Pursuits
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 13 (a) Any use of force by a member should be documented in the appropriate report (See the Use of Force Policy).
8. Any injuries and/or medical treatment.
9. Any property or equipment damage.
10. Name of supervisor at scene or who handled the incident. (d) After receiving copies of reports, logs, and other pertinent information, the Chief of Police or the authorized designee should conduct or assign the completion of a post- pursuit review.
Annually, the Chief of Police should direct a documented review and analysis of [department/ office] vehicle pursuit reports to minimally include policy suitability, policy compliance, and training or equipment needs.
314.8.1 REGULAR AND PERIODIC PURSUIT TRAINING
State
The Personnel and Training Sergeant shall make available to all officers initial and supplementary Police Officer Standard Training (POST) training on pursuits required by Penal Code § 13519.8, and no less than annual training addressing:
(a) This policy.
(b) The importance of vehicle safety and protecting the public. (c) The need to balance the known offense and the need for immediate capture against the risks to officers and others (Vehicle Code § 17004.7(d)). 314.8.2 POLICY REVIEW
State
Officers of this [department/office] shall certify in writing that they have received, read, and understand this policy initially, upon any amendments, and whenever training on this policy is provided. The POST attestation form, or an equivalent form, may be used to document the compliance and should be retained in the member’s training file. 314.9 APPLICATION OF VEHICLE PURSUIT POLICY
State
This policy is expressly written and adopted pursuant to the provisions of Vehicle Code § 17004.7, with additional input from the POST Vehicle Pursuit Guidelines. 314.10 POLICY
Best Practice
It is the policy of this [department/office] to balance the importance of apprehending suspects who unlawfully flee from law enforcement against the risks associated with vehicle pursuits.