19-03 Pursuits and Emergency Vehicle Operations

Kansas City, Missouri Police Department Procedural Instruction

Introduction

• This written directive sets parameters for vehicle pursuits, emergency police vehicle operations, tire deflation devices, and Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI)

Guidelines

• Members must abide by city traffic ordinances and state motor vehicle laws and regulations, unless operating Code One
• Seat belts must be worn by members operating or riding as passengers in department vehicles
• Members must ensure that all passengers use seatbelts or other appropriate restraint devices
• Vehicle pursuits are only permitted for dangerous felonies, DUI, or stolen autos where the suspect presents a clear and immediate danger to others
• Pursuits against traffic flow on divided highways are prohibited without prior approval from a supervisor/commander
• Stationary and rolling roadblocks are prohibited, except as outlined in Annex E
• Push-bumpers are prohibited in pursuits, except as outlined in Annex E
• TVI technique may be used by trained members assigned to Tactical Response Teams and Street Crimes Unit Tactical Response Teams

Terminology

• Controlling Supervisor/Commander: assumes verbal control of the pursuit
• Dangerous Felony: felony involving actual or threatened attack that could result in death or serious bodily injury
• Emergency: reasonable belief that a crime is about to be committed, is being committed, or has been committed, involving injury or threat of injury
• Emergency Operation/Code One: emergency police vehicle traveling with activated red light(s) and siren
• Emergency Police Vehicle: police vehicle equipped with a siren and one or more red light(s)
• Momentary Activation: brief activation of red lights and/or siren to gain the driver's attention
• Paralleling: operation of police vehicles parallel to the pursuit route, operating in a Code One capacity
• Pursuit: event where a member attempts to stop a vehicle, and the driver refuses to stop or tries to avoid capture
• Pursuit Police Vehicle: police vehicle involved in a pursuit, categorized as primary, secondary, or other
• Pursuit Rated: vehicle or motorcycle certified for law enforcement use, equipped with emergency lights and sirens
• Roadblock: restriction or obstruction to prevent free passage of a motor vehicle, intended to apprehend a pursued vehicle
• Significant Passage of Time: period where a vehicle or person goes out of sight, but is not considered lost contact
• Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI): car-to-car contact technique to disable a vehicle, designed to intervene and de-escalate situations
• Terminate: pursuits may be terminated by the pursuing member, by order of a supervisor/commander, or when the suspect vehicle stops
• Tire Deflation Device: manually deployed device with hollow steel spikes to rapidly deflate a vehicle tire
• Uncontrolled Intersection: intersection without traffic control

Police Vehicle Emergency Operation (Other Than Pursuits)

• Members will drive with due regard for safety, considering the urgency of the situation, weather, visibility, and other factors
• Code One operation will be used in situations where it is necessary to preserve life, prevent serious personal injury, or protect property in immediate danger of destruction
• Members will approach intersections with caution, clearing the intersection before proceeding
• The siren will be used in addition to red lights if necessary to gain attention, and members will yield to ambulances and fire equipment

Police Vehicle Pursuit Procedure

• Factors to consider before and during a pursuit include the seriousness of the violation, weather, road conditions, traffic, and the safety of the public and members

• Pursuits will not be initiated unless the suspect presents a clear and immediate danger to others

• Code One Operation will be used throughout the pursuit

• The decision to initiate or continue a pursuit will be based on factors known to the member at the time, and will be continually evaluated during the pursuit

• A pursuit will be terminated when the danger to the public or member created by the pursuit exceeds the danger presented by the offender remaining at large, or when ordered by a supervisor/commander### Vehicle Pursuit Policy

• The policy outlines the procedures for police vehicle pursuits, ensuring public safety and officer safety.

Initiation of Pursuit

• A police officer can initiate a pursuit when they have a reasonable suspicion of a crime or a traffic violation.
• The officer must consider the risk to the public and the importance of apprehending the suspect.

Primary Vehicle Member's Responsibilities

• The primary vehicle member is responsible for:
  • Initiating the pursuit and assuming the primary pursuit vehicle position.
  • Activating the in-car camera and audio, if available.
  • Transmitting the location, speed, traffic density, and driving demeanor of the pursued vehicle every two blocks or when the vehicle changes direction.
  • Continually evaluating the need to apprehend the suspect against the risk to the public.

Secondary Vehicle Member's Responsibilities

• The secondary vehicle member is responsible for:
  • Activating the red light and siren.
  • Maintaining a safe distance behind the primary vehicle.
  • Assisting the primary vehicle during the pursuit and at the point of termination.
  • Being prepared to assume the role of the primary vehicle if needed.

Other Vehicle Members' Responsibilities

• Other vehicle members are responsible for:
  • Operating Code One when given permission by a supervisor/commander.
  • Providing traffic control or deploying a tire deflation device.

Communications/Dispatcher Responsibilities

• The dispatcher is responsible for:
  • Notifying all members of the pursuit and obtaining the location, direction, and description of the pursued vehicle.
  • Relaying additional pursuit information as necessary.
  • Assigning a secondary vehicle and notifying the controlling supervisor/commander.
  • Notifying other divisions and jurisdictions affected by the pursuit.

Helicopter Section's Responsibilities

• The helicopter section is responsible for:
  • Assisting in the pursuit and assuming responsibility as the main pursuit vehicle.
  • Advising the dispatcher of the pursuit location and direction.
  • Terminating the pursuit if the helicopter's presence escalates the pursuit or poses a danger to the public.

Controlling Supervisor's/Commander's Responsibilities

• The controlling supervisor/commander is responsible for:
  • Obtaining information about the pursuit and evaluating the circumstances.
  • Making the decision to continue or terminate the pursuit.
  • Moving to the pursuit location and responding to the termination point.
  • Completing a Patrol Bureau Report (PBR) prior to the end of the shift.

Police Vehicle Pursuits Involving Other Jurisdictions

• Members must not engage in a pursuit initiated by an outside agency without authorization from a supervisor/commander.
• The supervisor/commander who authorizes a member to engage in a pursuit will assume the responsibilities of the controlling supervisor/commander.

Tire Deflation Device

• The tire deflation device is a tool used to safely deflate a vehicle's tires during a pursuit.
• The device is made of a water-resistant, laminated paperboard housing with three rows of twelve quills.
• Each quill has a Teflon-coated steel spike that pierces the tire and causes a controlled deflation.

Deployment of Tire Deflation Device

• The device can only be used on four-wheeled vehicles and will not be used on vehicles transporting hazardous materials or passengers.
• The device will not be deployed in locations that pose a risk to other traffic.
• Members must deploy the device in a safe and controlled manner, taking into account the location and circumstances of the pursuit.

Reporting Requirements

• Information regarding damages incurred due to the tire deflation device will be included in the report.
• A separate form will be completed for any damages or injuries sustained during the pursuit.

Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI)

• TVI is a technique used to stop and apprehend violent felony offenders.
• Only trained members of the Tactical Response Teams and Street Crimes Unit may use the TVI technique.
• The TVI technique may be used to stop and apprehend suspects who pose a danger to the public and members.