Osceola County Sheriff's Office Pursuit and Vehicle Apprehension Policy PDF

Osceola County Sheriff's Office Policy and Procedures Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez Number: 461.0 Effective Date: 02/20/24 P.R.C. Review: 10/30/12 S.M.E. Review: Rescinds: 08/18/20 Amends: Accreditation...

Osceola County Sheriff's Office Policy and Procedures Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez Number: 461.0 Effective Date: 02/20/24 P.R.C. Review: 10/30/12 S.M.E. Review: Rescinds: 08/18/20 Amends: Accreditation Standards: CFA 14.02, 14.05 Subject: Pursuit and Vehicle Apprehension Policy This policy consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Definitions 4. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish pursuit guidelines. This policy establishes a balance between the need to apprehend offenders and the risk of injury to the public or Osceola County Sheriff’s Office members. {CFA 14.05} 2. Policy The primary concern of the Osceola County Sheriff's Office is public safety and the protection of human life. Sworn members, prior to initiating a pursuit, shall take all known risks into account. All sworn members engaging in pursuits shall drive with due regard. pursuits shall comply with the procedures in this policy. 3. Definitions A. Apprehension Vehicle – An authorized Osceola County Sheriff’s Office emergency vehicle as defined by Florida State Statute. B. Forcible Felony – Consistent with FSS 776.08 means treason; murder; manslaughter; sexual battery; carjacking; home-invasion robbery; robbery; burglary; arson; kidnapping; aggravated assault; aggravated battery; aggravated stalking; aircraft piracy; unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb; and any other felony which involves the use or threat of physical force or violence against any individual. {CFA 14.05} C. Law Enforcement Vessel – A designated law enforcement watercraft that is properly marked and equipped with emergency lights and a siren. D. Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) – A pursuit tactic by which a pursuing car uses the inertia and weight of the police vehicle to contact a fleeing vehicle in a controlled manner, enabling the violator vehicle to be stopped. The PIT, when performed properly and in accordance with training, does not constitute the use of deadly force. Page 1 of 13  461.0 E. Primary Apprehension Vehicle – The emergency unit which is immediately behind the violator. F. Pursuit – An active and continuing effort, or attempt by a sworn member of the Osceola County Sheriff's Office in an authorized emergency vehicle or law enforcement vessel to apprehend the occupant(s) of a moving motor vehicle or vessel, provided the operator of such vehicle or vessel is or should be aware of the attempt being made, increases his/her speed, takes other evasive actions, or refuses to stop in an attempt to avoid apprehension. G. Secondary Apprehension Vehicle – The emergency unit which trails the primary apprehension vehicle. H. Tactical Parking – The practice of moving close to a stationary suspect's vehicle and parking in a manner that minimizes escape opportunities. I. Tactical Vehicle Takedown (TVT) – Tactical Vehicle Takedowns are pre-planned coordinated efforts utilizing multiple vehicles and members who are trained in this tactic to “block” a vehicle and arrest a felony suspect(s). TVTs are initiated on stationary target vehicles at a natural stopping point on a roadway, such as a stop sign, red light, etc., and/or parked in a parking lot. TVTs shall not be used on moving vehicles or for routine traffic stops. The TVT, or any modified version of this technique, shall only be used by sworn members who have received agency-approved training and who receive continuous training in this technique. The section Lieutenant will be responsible for ensuring TVT training is conducted bi-annually through the Training Unit. J. Tire Deflation System (TDS) – A vehicle immobilization device which is designed to puncture vehicle tires through the use of spikes causing rapid deflation of the tire(s). 4. Procedures A. Engaging in Pursuits 1. No sworn member shall engage in a Pursuit, until successfully completing initial training on agency Policy 461.0, Vehicle Apprehension/Pursuit Policy, consistent with Policy 250.0, Training. Refresher Pursuit training shall occur as determined necessary by the Training Unit. {CFA 14.05K} 2. Sworn members are authorized to engage in vehicle Pursuits only when there is reason to believe that the driver or occupant(s) of the fleeing vehicle have committed a Forcible Felony as defined in FSS 776.08, all other vehicle Pursuits are prohibited unless exigent circumstances exist and a Supervisor or higher authority gives direction (an order) to proceed with the Pursuit. 3. A Pursuit is justified when the necessity of immediate apprehension of the suspect(s) outweighs the public danger created by the apprehension. In instances where immediate apprehension cannot be affected with reasonable safety, a member shall attempt to obtain sufficient information to effect a subsequent apprehension. {CFA 14.05} 4. Significant factors to be considered when involved in a Pursuit. {CFA 14.05} a. The seriousness of the originating offense and its relationship to community Page 2 of 13  461.0 safety. b. Safety of all individuals in the area of the Pursuits to include but not be limited to: (1). Vehicular traffic. (2). Pedestrians. (3). Pursuing members. (4). Suspect(s). c. Time of day. d. Location of Pursuit. e. Weather conditions. (1). Rain or other poor conditions. (2). Low visibility. f. Type of road. g. Road conditions including but not limited to: (1). Frequency of intersecting streets (e.g., business or residential area). (2). Debris on the road. (3) The road is slippery. (4). Blind curves or other road conditions. (5). School zone or construction area. h. Familiarity of members and Supervisors within the area of the Pursuit. i. Speeds involved. j. Quality of radio communications between pursuing members, the dispatcher, and the Supervisor. k. Whether the suspect being pursued is readily identifiable or subject to capture at another time or by other means. l. Number of agencies involved in the Pursuit. m. Mechanical condition and capabilities of their vehicle. 5. The exemptions from complying with traffic laws granted to emergency vehicles by Florida State Statutes apply in all Pursuit situations. a. FSS 316.072(5) authorizes the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call, when in Pursuit of an actual or suspected law violator to disregard speed limits, directional signs, etc. as long as he/she does not endanger life and property. b. FSS 316.126 requires that emergency equipment (e.g., siren and/or emergency lights) be in continuous use when emergency vehicles are being operated beyond the traffic laws regulating all other traffic. It is the policy of this agency that emergency lights and sirens shall be operated continuously during a Pursuit. 6. Duty to Discontinue Pursuit {CFA 14.05} a. When a Supervisor directs a Pursuit be terminated, all members shall do so immediately. To aid the Supervisor in making this decision, the following factors are evaluated: (1). Traffic volume and congestion. (2). Nature of the action or inaction of the suspect that precipitated the Pursuit (e.g., the operator is armed, the possibility of identifying the operator at a later date, daylight or darkness, weather conditions, road conditions, etc.). Page 3 of 13  461.0 b. A member may elect to discontinue a Pursuit at any time. The decision to continue or discontinue a Pursuit is the responsibility of each member until the Supervisor becomes aware of the situation and renders a decision. c. When the member is ordered to discontinue a Pursuit, the member shall resume obeying all traffic control devices and upon reaching the posted speed limit, turn off all emergency lights and siren. The member shall, if possible, proceed in a different direction than the suspect, except when all of the following circumstances are present: (1). The Supervisor authorizes the following of the vehicle after the decision to terminate the Pursuit was given. (2). The member(s) follow(s) traffic laws. (3). The member and Supervisor can articulate reasons for the following of the vehicle. d. Members and Supervisors are reminded that pursuing for traffic or misdemeanor violations is not permitted. Vehicles shall be pursued for forcible felonies only. A Supervisor may authorize in extenuating circumstances a Pursuit for burglary to a structure or arson to a structure. The pursuing member shall document the extenuating circumstances and that prior supervisory approval was obtained in the report. B. Routine Traffic Stop 1. When conducting a “routine” traffic stop the act of accelerating to overtake a vehicle, and/or following a vehicle with emergency equipment activated for a “reasonable” length of time sufficient to inform the driver/violator to pull over does not constitute a “Pursuit,” unless: a. The driver/violator should reasonably realize the sworn member is behind him/her with emergency equipment on, and that the sworn member wants him/her to pull over but refuses to do so, and/or the driver/violator accelerates and/or takes other evasive action for the apparent purpose of avoiding being stopped. b. At this point the sworn member should consider this the beginning of a Pursuit subject to the guidelines and restrictions outlined in this policy. c. In cases where the original offense was a simple traffic infraction or non- violent crime, the sworn member at this point shall, as a general rule, cease all efforts to pull the vehicle over, including turning off emergency equipment, stopping and going the opposite direction as soon as safe to do so. 2. In cases where a driver/violator does not accelerate and/or take evasive action in an effort to avoid being stopped and the driver/violator’s driving behavior does not place the public in any undue danger, a Supervisor may authorize the sworn member attempting to stop the driver/violator to continue to follow the subject until the driver/violator stops. a. An example would be a subject not stopping or pulling over but driving at a reasonable speed and complying with applicable traffic laws and not putting the public in any undue danger. Or it appears through the motorist’s actions he/she is looking for a safe place to stop. b. If it is suspected the subject is looking for a safe place to stop and subsequently passes areas objectively safe and/or well-lit, the sworn member shall immediately terminate the following of the subject. Page 4 of 13  461.0 C. Responsibilities 1. Primary Apprehension Vehicle. {CFA 14.05} a. Maintain contact with the violator and maintain the proper following distance of three (3) to four (4) seconds if possible. b. Give Communications initial location, direction of travel, suspect and vehicle description, and Forcible Felony committed information. c. Assume responsibility for the completion of applicable reports resulting from the Pursuit. d. Whenever possible, allow Aviation to be at the stop location before making the stop. 2. Secondary Apprehension Vehicle {CFA 14.05} a. Handle all ongoing communications relating to direction(s) of travel, additional suspect description(s), and all matters relating to the actual Pursuit. This shall not restrict the Supervisor from giving instructions or other information directly to any vehicle(s) involved or to the dispatcher. b. Assist the Primary Apprehension Vehicle as necessary including the required documentation pertaining to the Pursuit. 3. Supervisor {CFA 14.05} a. Overall and immediate responsibility for the decisions concerning continuance or discontinuance of the Pursuit. b. Command of the Pursuit tactics. 4. Dispatcher {CFA 14.05} a. Ensure the Patrol Supervisor and Communications Supervisor are made aware of the Pursuit. b. Advise and keep other units informed of the Pursuit. c. Follow all related Post Orders, Training Bulletins, and Tactical Dispatch plans concerning Pursuits. 5. Platoon Lieutenant a. Monitor the Pursuit and ensure compliance with this Policy and Procedure. b. Immediately take command and control of the Pursuit in the event a Supervisor fails to do so. 6. Vehicle {CFA 14.02, 14.05} a. Sworn members operating marked agency vehicles, equipped with emergency lights and sirens, may pursue a fleeing vehicle. b. Unmarked agency vehicles, motorcycles, vessels, and other specialty vehicles, equipped with emergency lights and sirens, may, consistent with this policy and Policy 382.0, Special Purpose Vehicles and Vessels, pursue a fleeing vehicle until a marked patrol vehicle with emergency lights and siren can take over the Pursuit. c. No other land-based agency vehicles shall be used in a Pursuit unless equipped with emergency lights and sirens, and approved by a Lieutenant or higher authority. d. Pursuits while agency vehicles are towing boats, trailers, or any other item Page 5 of 13  461.0 are prohibited. {CFA 14.02, 14.05} 7. Conducting the Pursuit a. The Primary and Secondary Apprehension Vehicles shall be the only ground vehicles to pursue a fleeing vehicle, unless specific authorization has been granted by a Supervisor. b. The Supervisor may request additional vehicles to assist for officer safety reasons. When a Canine Unit is utilized to assist the primary and secondary vehicles in a Pursuit, it shall comply with Policy 407.0, Canine Utilization. c. The Supervisor may direct additional vehicles to attempt to protect the public from inadvertently entering the Pursuit area. d. The Secondary Apprehension Vehicle shall not follow too closely and shall not attempt to pass the Primary Apprehension Vehicle unless the Primary Apprehension Vehicle is forced to discontinue the Pursuit, or directed to by a Supervisor. e. Existing conditions and the availability of other Patrol or Aviation Units are factors used to determine the course of action taken to apprehend a fleeing violator. (1). Available backup units shall remain in their assigned zones, unless otherwise directed. However, backup units shall move to the area of their zone that is closest to the location of the Pursuit. (2). Units assigned to duties other than patrol shall not participate in any Pursuit unless directed to do so by a Supervisor or apprehending member. f. Units directed to parallel the Pursuit shall operate in an emergency mode (lights and siren on) unless directed otherwise by the Supervisor. Paralleling a Pursuit is the practice of having units operate on roads parallel to the Pursuit. g. The use of the Tire Deflation System (TDS), see Policy 464.0, Tire Deflation System, is encouraged as a means of terminating Pursuits. Use of the TDS is not considered the use of deadly force. {CFA 14.05} (1). Deployment of the TDS is at the discretion of any member who can safely deploy the device and has successfully completed the TDS training. (2). The TDS shall not be deployed to terminate motorcycle Pursuits. h. Stationary and moving roadblocks shall only be used and conducted consistent with Policy 484.0, Traffic Direction and Control. {CFA 14.05} i. Excluding sworn members from other law enforcement agencies conducting investigations in conjunction with members of the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, vehicles containing non-agency members shall not become involved in Pursuits. D. Pursuit Communications 1. Upon initiation of a Pursuit, the apprehending member shall: a. Immediately notify Communications of the Pursuit. b. Furnish all pertinent details including, but not limited to: (1). Vehicle description. (2). Tag number. (3). Occupants. Page 6 of 13  461.0 (4). Location. (5). Direction of travel. (6). Reason for the Pursuit. 2. The Supervisor of the member involved in the Pursuit shall be advised of the apprehension via radio and shall acknowledge via radio his/her knowledge of the Pursuit in progress. 3. Communications shall advise other units on all radio talk groups and notify the Aviation and Canine Unit(s). {CFA 14.05} 4. The radio talk group on which the Pursuit is conducted shall be the sector talk group in which the Pursuit is started. a. If the Pursuit goes into another sector from where it started, the following shall apply: (1). The Pursuit shall continue on the originating talk group. (2). As the Pursuit enters the zone of another sector, the members in the affected zone shall be instructed by Communications to switch to the Pursuit radio talk group. b. If there is an operational or technical reason for switching to another talk group, that decision shall be made by the Supervisor who has command of the situation. E. Aviation Assistance 1. On-duty Aviation Unit members shall be advised of all vehicle Pursuits by Communications and may elect to respond without a formal request from a Supervisor. 2. A Supervisor holding the rank of Sergeant or above may request Aviation assistance for any situation including Pursuits. 3. If the Aviation Flight Crew makes visual contact with the vehicle being pursued, they shall immediately advise the ground units. When feasible, the ground units shall suspend an active Pursuit and reduce speed to that which is reasonable and prudent, converging on the suspect vehicle as the Aviation Flight Crew relays directions. {CFA 14.05} F. Crossing Sector Boundaries Responsibility for Pursuits which cross-sector boundaries rests with the Supervisor or Platoon Lieutenant of the sector in which the Pursuit began, unless control is assumed by a member of higher or equal rank. G. Discharging a Firearm Discharging a firearm at or from a moving vehicle is prohibited unless the use of deadly force would be authorized in Policy 470.0, Response to Resistance and Aggression, to protect against an imminent threat to the life of the member or others. Members are prohibited from intentionally placing themselves in an oncoming vehicle’s path or attempting to disable the vehicle by discharging their firearms. H. Reporting Requirements and Administrative Review {CFA 14.05} Page 7 of 13  461.0 1. At the conclusion of any Pursuit or attempt, the initiating member shall: a. Complete the following documents: (1). Fleeing Vehicle Form (SO-03-27) via BlueTeam. (2). Incident Report in the agency database. (a). The Incident Report shall be written as Fleeing and Eluding and include the applicable Florida State Statutes. (b). The vehicle description shall be entered in the vehicle table through case involvements. (3). Signature Affidavit. b. Ensure all involved members complete supplemental reports outlining their involvement in the Pursuit. c. Submit the above documents, and other involved members’ supplemental paperwork, to the next level of supervision prior to the end of his/her tour of duty. 2. The initiating member’s Supervisor shall: a. Ensure the Fleeing Vehicle Form (SO-03-27) via BlueTeam and related documents are properly completed. b. Verify compliance with agency written directives. c. Critique the incident, as soon as possible, with the member(s) conducting the Pursuit. d. If necessary, due to the responsible member’s injury or incapacitation, complete, or delegate the completion of the necessary documents. 3. The member’s Supervisor shall sign the Fleeing Vehicle Form (SO-03-27) via BlueTeam and forward it, via chain of command, to the appropriate Major. a. The appropriate Major shall review the circumstances of the Pursuit to ensure compliance with all appropriate agency written directives. b. The appropriate Major, upon completion of the review, shall have the form forwarded to the Internal Affairs Unit. The Internal Affairs Unit shall forward a copy to the Patrol Staff Assistant. The Patrol Staff Assistant shall forward copies to: (1). Training Section. (2). Research & Development Section. (3). Intelligence Section. 4. The Training Section Lieutenant or designee shall: a. Conduct an annual, documented analysis of all Fleeing Vehicle Reports in order to identify patterns or trends that indicate training needs and/or recommendations for policy modifications. b. This analysis shall be distributed to the: (1). Sheriff. (2). Chief Deputy. (3). General Counsel. (4). Research & Development Section. I. Multi-Jurisdictional Pursuits {CFA 14.05} 1. Pursuits from Osceola County into another county. a. Members engaged in a Pursuit which leaves Osceola County may continue Page 8 of 13  461.0 the Pursuit into another county provided the member has the approval of the Supervisor in command of the Pursuit. b. The Communications Supervisor is responsible for promptly notifying the county into which the Pursuit is going. This notification should include but is not limited to the following: (1). Vehicle and suspect descriptions. (2). Details of the charge(s). (3). Any available data on the Pursuit such as length, speeds, suspect's driving skills displayed, etc. c. The county into which the Pursuit is going is responsible for determining if they will assist with the Pursuit. d. Members shall maintain contact with the Osceola County Sheriff's Office Communications Section or the agency that has jurisdiction over the Pursuit. (1). Radio contact is the preferred method of contact. Contact via cellular phone is permissible when approved by a Lieutenant or higher authority. (2). To ensure member safety, in the event contact is lost, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office participation in the Pursuit shall be terminated. e. In the event the agency that has jurisdiction in the other county declines to assist with the Pursuit, the decision to continue the Pursuit shall rest with the Pursuit Supervisor. 2. Members of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office engaged in a Pursuit outside Osceola County shall continue to comply with all policies and procedures of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Members shall not follow a suspect vehicle outside of Osceola County for any traffic infraction or misdemeanor crime violations without a Supervisor’s approval. {CFA 14.05} 3. Pursuits from Other Jurisdictions Entering Unincorporated Osceola County. {CFA 14.05} a. If a Pursuit being conducted by a municipality or other county enters unincorporated Osceola County, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Communications Supervisor shall attempt to obtain the following information: (1). The reason for the Pursuit. (2). Details of the criminal charge(s). (3). Vehicle and suspect description. (4). Any available data on the Pursuit such as length, speeds, suspect's driving skills displayed, etc. b. If it is determined by an Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Supervisor that the Pursuit’s continuation is a detriment to public safety, the pursuing agency shall be asked to immediately discontinue the Pursuit. This notification shall be made by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Communications Supervisor. c. In the event the pursuing agency fails to terminate the Pursuit: (1). Communications shall notify the pursuing agency that the Osceola County Sheriff's Office will not participate in the Pursuit and; (2). The pursuing agency may request assistance in the event that the vehicle Pursuit is terminated in Osceola County. d. If the decision is made to continue the Pursuit, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Communications Supervisor shall inform the pursuing agency that once the Pursuit is in unincorporated Osceola County, command of the Page 9 of 13  461.0 Pursuit is the responsibility of the appropriate Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Supervisor. e. Once the appropriate Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Supervisor assumes command of the Pursuit, that Supervisor shall monitor the Pursuit and either: (1). Terminate the Pursuit or; (2). Actively attempt to apprehend the violator according to this Policy and Procedure. J. Tactical Parking 1. The positioning of one (1) or more agency vehicles, marked or unmarked, in a position to eliminate the fleeing of a suspect vehicle from a parked or stopped position. 2. Members shall communicate with each other and confirm tactical parking will be used. Tactical Parking shall not be used on moving vehicles. 3. Positioning an agency vehicle in front of a moving vehicle is considered a roadblock and shall be conducted consistent with policy 484.0, Traffic Direction and Control. K. Tactical Vehicle Takedown (TVT) 1. TVTs are pre-planned coordinated efforts utilizing multiple vehicles and members who are trained in this tactic to “block” a stationary target vehicle (parked in a parking lot, stopped at an intersection or natural stopping point) and shall not be used on moving vehicles. Members shall communicate with each other and confirm that this technique will be used. 2. Members who are directly involved in executing this technique shall not exit their vehicle to go hands-on with the occupant(s) until compliance is attained from the target vehicle by being placed in park, the engine off, and keys removed from the ignition and discarded outside of the vehicle. Discarding keys outside of the vehicle does not apply to vehicles that have been manipulated to start without a key and/or push to start vehicles. This reasonably removes the ability of the driver or any other occupant to utilize the vehicle to escape or elude apprehension efforts. Until compliance has been attained, the vehicle shall be considered a potential threat. The responsibility of the member(s) operating the blocking vehicle(s) is to maintain their position until compliance is attained, see Policy 461.0a, Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) for more information. 3. Risk factors to consider before executing a TVT include: a. Location. b. Target vehicle type (SUV, Truck, etc.). c. Day/Night/Weather (lighting, darkness, window tint, etc.). d. Civilian traffic (pedestrian/vehicle). e. Ability to control civilian traffic. f. Natural barriers (helpful or hindrance). g. Status of communications (radio traffic, clear channel, location, etc.). 4. The members’ decision to conduct a TVT will be based on the totality of circumstances for suspects in felony crimes, without creating undue risk to Page 10 of 13  461.0 themselves and the public. Three (3) units are desirable for a front and rear TVT. Two (2) units are desirable for a TVT where a natural barrier blocks the vehicle at either the front or rear of the vehicle. 5. All vehicles involved shall utilize emergency lighting equipment. 6. Removing the occupant(s) from the vehicle: a. If an occupant refuses to exit the vehicle, treat the situation as a barricaded subject. b. All vehicles involved shall maintain distance and cover from the target vehicle and use all the tools available to them to safely remove and secure the occupant(s). Members shall avoid placing themselves in danger by stepping in front of a target vehicle and shall avoid rushing up to a vehicle until compliance has been obtained. c. Treat all occupants in any encounter as though they are armed. L. Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) 1. Sworn members are encouraged to bring an end to an authorized vehicle Pursuit as soon after its initiation as practical through the use of the PIT, when circumstances and conditions dictate, in order to preserve life and protect the public’s safety. 2. This technique shall only be used by sworn members who have received training provided by a certified law enforcement PIT instructor, and have an approved agency-issued vehicle that is calibrated and equipped for the PIT technique. Sworn members trained in PIT must receive refresher training every two (2) years. This training shall be documented consistent with Policy 250.0, Training. 3. The use of the PIT may only be used to apprehend a fleeing offender who the sworn member suspects is committing, or had committed, a Forcible Felony and whose escape would create a substantial risk to the general public. 4. The sworn member, having considered the circumstances and conditions of the vehicle Pursuit, shall be responsible for utilizing the PIT under conditions that are in compliance with agency training and under ideal circumstances. Refer to section 4(A)(3)(a-m) of this policy. 5. Prior to initiation, the sworn member shall make a reasonable effort to communicate their intentions to supporting units via the radio, for purposes of coordination. 6. The PIT shall not be utilized as a means to stop fleeing motorcycles, ATVs, or vehicles with an abnormally high center of gravity. 7. The desirable speed of the suspect’s vehicle is less than approximately fifty (50) miles per hour, although the PIT can be executed at higher speeds if the risk factors are minimal. 8. The use of PIT is prohibited against vehicles with one (1) or more deflated tires unless the use of deadly force is justified or under exigent circumstances with the approval of a Lieutenant or above. Page 11 of 13  461.0 9. After the PIT scene is stabilized, the Supervisor shall ensure that photographs are taken of the vehicles at final rest, any roadway entrance (skid, scuff, or yaw marks), and the overall scene. Digital images shall be submitted electronically to the Evidence Unit or with the report. 10. Risk factors to consider prior to utilizing the PIT are: a. Preferred road conditions: (1). Empty lot. (2). Divided highway. (3). Roadway with shallow or no ditches. (4). Curves which permit visibility ahead. b. Pedestrian traffic. c. Other vehicle traffic. d. Other obstacles: (1). Curbs. (2). Electrical poles. (3). Buildings. (4). Parked vehicles. (5). Trees. (6). Bridges. (7). Railroad tracks. (8). Water hazards. e. Speed, travel distance after contact due to speed. M. Vessel Pursuits A Law Enforcement Vessel is authorized to pursue an offender under the same circumstances and conditions as an authorized emergency vehicle. In addition to the other provisions of this policy, the following shall apply to the Pursuit of a watercraft. 1. The sworn member shall: {CFA 14.05} a. Immediately activate the vessel’s emergency lights and siren and shall maintain contact with Communications. b. Make every effort to obtain the fleeing watercraft’s registration numbers, description, number of occupants, and direction of travel. c. Ensure the ignition kill switch is attached to the vessel operator. d. Consider the following factors in making the decision to initiate or continue a Pursuit: (1). The number of swimmers, divers, snorkelers, other civilian, and watercraft traffic present. (2). The sworn member’s training and experience with the type of vessel being operated. (3). The condition and performance capabilities of the vessel. (4). The sworn member’s familiarity with the waterway in the direction of the Pursuit (e.g., hazardous conditions, impediments to navigation, and the ability to accurately provide Communications a current location, etc.). (5). The sworn member’s ability to maintain continuous contact with the Communication Section. (6). Weather conditions and time of day may affect visibility and vessel Page 12 of 13  461.0 operation. (7). Possibility of identification and later apprehension of suspect(s). (8). Availability of other law enforcement units to assist in the Pursuit including the Aviation Unit. e. Obtain supervisory permission to continue the Pursuit. f. Complete a Fleeing Vehicle Report (SO-03-27) via BlueTeam, prior to the end of their tour of duty. 2. Land-based emergency vehicles may assist the Law Enforcement Vessel by acting as spotters at shore areas along the route. Land units are not authorized to leave their assigned sector. However, this does not preclude units from moving safely within their assigned area to a location which may be advantageous should the Pursuit terminate in that area. 3. Excluding deadly force situations, ramming a fleeing watercraft is not permitted under any circumstances. {CFA 14.05} Page 13 of 13