Des Plaines Police Department Vehicle Pursuits PDF

Policy Des Plaines Police Department 306 Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Vehicle Pursuits 306.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE Vehicle pursuits expose innocent citizens, law enforcement officers and fleeing violators to the risk of serious injury or death. The primary purpose of this policy is to provide officers w...

Policy Des Plaines Police Department 306 Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Vehicle Pursuits 306.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE Vehicle pursuits expose innocent citizens, law enforcement officers and fleeing violators to the risk of serious injury or death. The primary purpose of this policy is to provide officers with guidance in balancing the safety of the public and themselves against law enforcement's duty to apprehend violators of the law. Another purpose of this policy is to minimize the potential for pursuit-related collisions. Vehicular pursuits require officers to exhibit a high degree of common sense and sound judgment. Officers must not forget that the immediate apprehension of a suspect is generally not more important than the safety of the public and pursuing officers. Deciding whether to pursue a motor vehicle is a critical decision that must be made quickly and under difficult and unpredictable circumstances. In recognizing the potential risk to public safety created by vehicular pursuits, no officer or supervisor shall be criticized or disciplined for deciding not to engage in a vehicular pursuit because of the risk involved. This includes circumstances where Department policy would permit the initiation or continuation of the pursuit. It is recognized that vehicular pursuit situations are not always predictable and decisions made pursuant to this policy will be evaluated according to the totality of the circumstances reasonably available at the time of the pursuit. Officers must remember that the most important factors to the successful conclusion of a pursuit are proper self-discipline and sound professional judgment. Officers' conduct during the course of a pursuit must be objectively reasonable; that is, what a reasonable officer would do under the circumstances. An unreasonable individual’s desire to apprehend a fleeing suspect at all costs has no place in professional law enforcement. 306.1.1 VEHICLE PURSUIT DEFINED An active attempt by a peace officer in an authorized emergency vehicle to apprehend an actual or suspected law violator, who is attempting to avoid apprehension through evasive tactics. 306.2 OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES It shall be the policy of this [department/office] that a vehicle pursuit shall be conducted only with emergency lights and siren. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, exceed the maximum speed limits, and disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions provided the driver slows as may be required and necessary for safe operation and does not endanger life or property (625 ILCS 5/11-205). The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle is not relieved from the duty of driving with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor do such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his/her reckless disregard for the safety of others (625 ILCS 5/11-205(e)). To reduce the likelihood of a pursuit occurring, an officer intending to stop a vehicle for any violation of the law, except a traffic law, should, whenever possible and without creating a threat to public Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 1 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Vehicle Pursuits safety or officers, close the distance between the two vehicles. In situations where appropriate and prudent, awaiting the arrival of assisting officers, prior to activating emergency lights, an audible device, or otherwise signaling the suspect to stop may be warranted. Upon approaching an intersection controlled by traffic signals or signs, or any other location at which there is an increased likelihood of a crash, the driver of any pursuit vehicle shall reduce the vehicle's speed so as to avoid a crash with another vehicle or pedestrian. Officers should make every reasonable effort to ensure that the way is clear before proceeding through an intersection or otherwise increasing speed. Pursuing officers are expected to maintain complete control of their vehicles at all times. Throughout the course of a pursuit, pursuing officers should not attempt to overtake, pull alongside, or pass the suspect's moving vehicle without the specific authorization of a supervisor, if feasible. Officers are discouraged from passing other units involved in a pursuit unless the passing officer receives specific permission from the primary unit. 306.2.1 WHEN TO INITIATE A PURSUIT Officers are authorized to initiate a pursuit when it is reasonable to believe that a suspect is attempting to evade arrest or detention by fleeing in a vehicle. The following factors individually and collectively shall be considered in deciding whether to initiate a pursuit: (a) 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) Apparent nature of the fleeing suspect(s) (e.g., whether the suspect(s) represent a serious threat to public safety). (d) The identity of the suspect(s) has been verified and there is comparatively minimal risk in allowing the suspect(s) to be apprehended at a later time. (e) 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 and the speed of the pursuit relative to these factors. (f) Pursuing officer(s) familiarity with the area of the pursuit, the quality of radio communications between the pursuing units and the telecommunicator/supervisor and the driving capabilities of the pursuing officers under the conditions of the pursuit. (g) Weather, traffic and road conditions that substantially increase the danger of the pursuit beyond the worth of apprehending the suspect. (h) Performance capabilities of the vehicles used in the pursuit in relation to the speeds and other conditions of the pursuit. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 2 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Vehicle Pursuits (i) Vehicle speeds. (j) Other persons in or on the pursued vehicle (e.g., passengers, co-offenders and hostages). (k) Availability of other resources such as helicopter assistance. (l) The police unit is carrying passengers other than police officers. Pursuits should not be undertaken with a prisoner(s) in the police vehicle. 306.2.2 WHEN TO TERMINATE A PURSUIT Pursuits should be discontinued 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 the previous subsection are expressly included herein and will apply equally to the decision to discontinue as well as the decision to initiate a pursuit. Officers and supervisors must objectively and continuously weigh the seriousness of the offense against the potential danger to innocent motorists and themselves when electing to continue a pursuit. In the context of this policy, the term “terminate” shall be construed to mean discontinue or to stop chasing the fleeing vehicle(s). In addition to the factors listed in in the previous subsection the following factors should also be considered in deciding whether to terminate a pursuit: (a) Distance between the pursuing officers and the fleeing vehicle(s) is so great that further pursuit would be futile or require the pursuit to continue for an unreasonable time and/or distance. (b) Pursued vehicle’s location is no longer definitely known. (c) Officer’s pursuit vehicle sustains any type of damage that renders it unsafe to drive. (d) Extended pursuits of violators for misdemeanors not involving violence or risk of serious harm (independent of the pursuit) are discouraged. (e) Hazards to uninvolved bystanders or motorists. (f) If the identity of the offender is known and it does not reasonably appear that the need for immediate capture outweighs the risks associated with continuing the pursuit, officers should strongly consider discontinuing the pursuit and apprehending the offender at a later time. (g) Directed by a supervisor. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 3 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Vehicle Pursuits 306.2.3 SPEED LIMITS 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 shall 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 shall 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. 306.3 PURSUIT UNITS Pursuit units should be limited to two vehicles; however, the number of units involved will vary with the circumstances. An officer or supervisor may request additional units to join a pursuit if, after assessing the factors outlined above, it appears that the number of officers involved would be insufficient to safely arrest the suspect(s). 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. 306.3.1 MOTORCYCLE OFFICERS A distinctively marked patrol vehicle equipped with emergency overhead lighting should replace a police motorcycle as primary and/or secondary pursuit unit as soon as practical. 306.3.2 SEMI-MARKED AND UNMARKED VEHICLES Semi-marked units may initiate a pursuit providing the proper justification exists, but will relinquish Primary Unit status immediately upon the participation of a marked police car. Upon relinquishing Primary Unit status, semi-marked units shall terminate active involvement in a pursuit unless they are needed to fulfill Secondary Unit responsibilities or are otherwise directed by a supervisor. A semi-marked police vehicle is not identifiably marked by a distinctive color scheme; red and/or blue lights may be mounted within the vehicle, equipped with siren, and could have partial police marking. Unmarked or other departmental vehicles, except for marked, semi-marked and motorcycle units, may not initiate a pursuit without the authorization of a supervisor unless there is an imminent threat to life or great bodily harm represented by the continued freedom of the suspect. An unmarked police vehicle has no distinctive identifiable marking but may have portable emergency warning lights. 306.3.3 PRIMARY UNIT RESPONSIBILITIES The decision to initiate and/or continue a pursuit requires weighing the public safety need to immediately apprehend the suspect against the degree of risk to which peace officers and others Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 4 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Vehicle Pursuits are exposed as the result of a pursuit. Officers are reminded that they are under no legal obligation to initiate a pursuit, and that in many circumstances the safety of the public will dictate that no pursuit be initiated, and/or it be discontinued. Upon the initiation of a pursuit, the pursuing officer shall immediately activate the vehicle’s emergency warning lights, audible device, and headlights if not already activated. The Primary Unit will notify Emergency Communications Center that a vehicle pursuit has been initiated and as soon as practical provide information including, but not limited to: (a) Reason for the pursuit. (b) Location and direction of travel. (c) Speed of the fleeing vehicle. (d) Description of the fleeing vehicle and license number, if known. (e) Number of known occupants. (f) The identity or description of the known occupants. (g) Information concerning the use of firearms, threat of force, injuries, hostages or other unusual hazards. Unless relieved by a supervisor or secondary unit, the officer in the primary unit shall be responsible for the broadcasting of the progress of the pursuit. Unless practical circumstances indicate otherwise, and in order to concentrate on pursuit driving, the primary officer should relinquish the responsibility of broadcasting the progress of the pursuit to a secondary unit or aircraft joining the pursuit. 306.3.4 SECONDARY UNIT(S) RESPONSIBILITIES The second officer in the pursuit is responsible for the following: (a) The officer in the secondary unit should immediately notify the telecommunicator and supervisor, if feasible, of entry into the pursuit. Until such time that a supervisor assumes responsibility, only one Secondary Unit shall become involved in an ongoing pursuit. (b) Remain 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) The secondary officer should be responsible for broadcasting the progress of the pursuit unless the situation indicates otherwise. (d) Upon joining the pursuit or being assigned Secondary Unit responsibilities, the vehicle’s emergency warning lights, audible device, and headlights shall be activated. (e) If so requested by the Primary Unit or if directed by a supervisor to do so, the Secondary Unit may assume Primary Unit responsibilities. Otherwise, the Secondary Unit may not attempt to overtake or pull alongside the Primary Unit. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 5 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Vehicle Pursuits (f) Secondary Unit personnel are responsible for serving as a backup to the Primary Unit. As such, they will respond to directions from the Primary Unit personnel unless otherwise directed by a supervisor or circumstances do not allow. 306.3.5 PURSUIT DRIVING TACTICS The decision to use specific driving tactics requires the same assessment of considerations outlined in the factors to be considered concerning pursuit initiation and termination. 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 so 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: (c) 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 caution when proceeding through controlled intersections. Police officers involved in a pursuit shall not proceed in a direction opposite to the flow of traffic on a divided highway without the specific authorization of a supervisor, if feasible. In the event the pursued vehicle does so, the following tactics should be considered: 1. Requesting assistance from an air unit. 2. Maintaining visual contact with the pursued vehicle by paralleling it on the correct side of the roadway. 3. Requesting other units to observe exits available to the suspect(s). (d) Notifying the Illinois State Police and/or other agency if it appears that the pursuit may enter their 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. 306.3.6 TACTICS/PROCEDURES FOR UNITS NOT INVOLVED IN THE PURSUIT 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 nonemergency manner, observing the rules of the road. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 6 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Vehicle Pursuits 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. 306.3.7 PURSUIT TRAILING 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 necessary information and assistance for the arrest of the suspect(s). 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 will maintain sufficient distance from the pursuit units so as to clearly indicate an absence of participation in the pursuit. 306.3.8 AIRCRAFT ASSISTANCE 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. The primary and secondary ground units should consider the participation of aircraft assistance when determining whether to continue 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 or not 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 has the authority to terminate the pursuit. 306.4 SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND RESPONSIBILITY It is the policy of this department that available supervisory and management control will be exercised over all vehicle pursuits involving officers from this department. The field supervisor of the officer initiating the pursuit, or if unavailable, the nearest field supervisor will be responsible for the following: (a) Upon notification that a pursuit is in progress, the supervisor shall assume responsibility for the monitoring and control of the pursuit as it progresses. (b) The supervisor shall immediately determine whether the pursuit was initiated in accordance with the provisions of this guideline and shall permit the pursuit to be continued only if said guideline has been fully complied with to the best of the supervisor's knowledge. (c) Upon being notified of a pursuit, the supervisor shall verify the following: 1. That no more than the required or necessary number of units are involved in the pursuit. 2. That the proper radio frequency is being used. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 7 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Vehicle Pursuits 3. That other agencies are notified as necessary and appropriate. (d) The supervisor shall continuously review the incoming information to determine whether the pursuit should be continued or terminated. (e) The supervisor shall order a pursuit terminated after concluding danger to the pursuing peace officers or the public outweighs the need for the immediate apprehension of the suspect. (f) The supervisor may order a pursuit terminated if the suspect's identity is established to the point where later apprehension is likely and there is no immediate threat to public safety. (g) The supervisor should order a pursuit terminated whenever the weather, road, or traffic conditions substantially increase the danger to the public posed by the pursuit beyond the need for immediate apprehension. (h) The supervisor should order a pursuit terminated whenever the distance between the pursuing and fleeing vehicles is so great that further pursuit is futile. (i) In controlling the pursuit, the supervisor shall be responsible for the coordination of the pursuit as follows: (j) 1. Directing pursuit or support units into or out of the pursuit. 2. The assignment of a Secondary Unit to the pursuit. 3. The re-designation of Primary, Secondary, or other support units as necessary. 4. The approval, disapproval, and coordination of pursuit tactics. 5. The approval or disapproval to cross jurisdictional boundaries in the continuation of the pursuit. 6. Ensure compliance with inter-jurisdictional pursuit agreements. The supervisor may approve and assign additional backup or support units to assist the Primary and Secondary Units based upon their analysis of: 1. The nature of the offense for which the pursuit was initiated. 2. The number of suspects and any known propensity for violence. 3. The number of peace officers in the pursuit vehicles. 4. Any damage or injuries to the assigned Primary or Secondary Units or peace officers. 5. The number of peace officers necessary to safely make an arrest at the conclusion of the pursuit. 6. Any other clear and articulable facts that would justify the increased hazards caused by adding more than the Primary and Secondary Units to a pursuit. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 8 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Vehicle Pursuits (k) When the pursuit is terminated, the supervisor shall require that all participating agencies are notified, and identify an on scene supervisor or designee to monitor the arrest and transportation procedures. (l) The supervisor shall require throughout the duration of the pursuit that this guideline is followed by all peace officers. 306.4.1 WATCH COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITY 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 requirements of this policy. 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 Deputy Chief. 306.5 COMMUNICATIONS 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 telecommunicator. If the pursuit leaves the jurisdiction of this department or such is imminent, involved units should, whenever available, switch radio communications to an emergency channel most accessible by participating agencies and units. 306.5.1 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER RESPONSIBILITIES (a) Upon notification that a pursuit has been initiated, Emergency Communications Center will: 1. Give priority to the Primary Unit. 2. Notify other units of pursuit, including location, direction of travel, and vehicle description. 3. Keep the channel clear. 4. Notify the Watch Commander and/or patrol supervisor if feasible. 5. Receive and records all incoming information on pursuit. 6. Keep Watch Commander and/or the patrol supervisor apprised of progress of pursuit. 7. Request status when the pursuing peace officer fails to make frequent contact. 8. Notify neighboring jurisdictions of the pursuit approaching their boundaries. 9. Perform relevant records and motor vehicle checks. 10. Coordinate and dispatch backup assistance and air support units under the direction of the supervisor. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 9 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Vehicle Pursuits (b) Radio frequency management: 1. 2. Pursuit communication will be handled on the frequency designated by the pursuing agency unless one or more of the following conditions exist: (a) The pursuit has or may extend into other jurisdictions. (b) The supervisor directs a switch to ISPERN. Upon using the ISPERN frequency, the Primary Unit shall conform to ISPERN guidelines. 306.5.2 LOSS OF PURSUED VEHICLE When the pursued vehicle is lost, the primary unit should broadcast pertinent information to assist other units in locating suspect(s). The primary unit will be responsible for coordinating any further search for either the pursued vehicle or suspects fleeing on foot. 306.6 INTER-JURISDICTIONAL PURSUITS Officers involved in inter-jurisdictional pursuits are required to comply with their department's guidelines and inter-jurisdictional agreements. Only pursuit tactics permitted by this policy may be utilized by Des Plaines Police Department officers, irrespective of what is requested by the other agency. When a pursuit enters another agency’s jurisdiction: (a) The primary unit will advise Emergency Communications Center that the pursuit is leaving this jurisdiction. (b) The controlling supervisor will decide whether to continue the pursuit based upon the totality of circumstances known. (c) As soon as practicable Emergency Communications Center will notify the involved jurisdiction. (d) If two units from the other agency are actively involved in the pursuit, the officers will not engage in the pursuit unless directed to do so by a supervisor. 306.6.1 ASSUMPTION OF PURSUIT BY ANOTHER AGENCY Units originally involved will discontinue the pursuit when advised that another agency has assumed the pursuit and assistance of the Des Plaines Police Department is no longer needed. Upon discontinuing the pursuit, the primary unit may proceed upon request, with or at the direction of a supervisor, to the termination point to assist in the investigation. The role and responsibilities of officers at the termination of a pursuit initiated by this department shall be coordinated with appropriate consideration of the units from the agency assuming the pursuit. 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. Because of Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 10 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Vehicle Pursuits communication limitations between local agencies and ISP units, a request for ISP assistance will mean that they will assume responsibilities for the pursuit. For the same reasons, a request for assistance from the ISP should include confirmation that the ISP will relinquish control. 306.6.2 PURSUITS EXTENDING INTO THIS JURISDICTION The agency that initiates a pursuit shall be responsible for conducting the pursuit. Units from this department should not join a pursuit unless specifically requested to do so by the agency whose peace officers are in pursuit. The exception to this is when a single unit from the initiating agency is in pursuit. Under this circumstance, a unit from this department may join the pursuit until sufficient units from the initiating agency join the pursuit. When a request is made for this department to assist or take over a pursuit from another agency that has entered this jurisdiction, the supervisor should consider these additional following factors: (a) Ability to maintain the pursuit. (b) Circumstances serious enough to continue the pursuit. (c) Adequate staffing to continue the pursuit. (d) The public's safety within this jurisdiction. (e) Safety of the pursuing peace officers. As soon as practical, a supervisor or the Watch Commander should review a request for assistance from another agency. The Watch Commander or supervisor, after consideration of 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 will terminate at the City limits provided that the pursuing peace officers have sufficient assistance from other sources. Ongoing participation from this department may continue only until sufficient assistance is present. In the event that a pursuit from another agency terminates within this jurisdiction, officers shall provide appropriate assistance to peace officers from the allied agency including, but not limited to, scene control, coordination and completion of supplemental reports and any other assistance requested or needed. 306.7 PURSUIT INTERVENTION Pursuit intervention is an attempt to terminate the ability of a suspect to continue to flee in a motor vehicle through tactical application of technology, road spikes, blocking, boxing, PIT (Police Immobilization Technique), ramming, heading off, or roadblock procedures. 306.7.1 WHEN USE AUTHORIZED Use of pursuit intervention tactics should be employed only after approval of a supervisor. In deciding whether to use intervention tactics, officers/supervisors should balance the risks of allowing the pursuit to continue with the potential hazards arising from the use of each tactic to the public, the officers and persons in or on the pursued vehicle. With these risks in mind, the decision Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 11 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Vehicle Pursuits to use any intervention tactic should be reasonable in light of the circumstances confronting the officer at the time of the decision. It is imperative that officers act within the bounds of legality, good judgment and accepted practices. 306.7.2 DEFINITIONS Boxing-in/Rolling Roadblock - The surrounding of a suspect's moving vehicle with moving pursuit vehicles which are then slowed to a stop along with the suspect's vehicle. Boxing in/rolling roadblocks are mobile stop techniques. Heading Off - An attempt to terminate a pursuit by pulling ahead of, behind or toward a suspect's moving vehicle to force it to the side of the road or to otherwise come to a stop. Heading off is a forcible stop technique. Roadblocks - A restriction or obstruction used or intended for the purpose of preventing free passage of motor vehicles on a roadway in order to effect the apprehension of a suspect. This includes placement of vehicles as well as use of devices to disable a vehicle. A roadblock is a stationary stop technique. Spikes or Tack Strips - A device that extends across the roadway designed to puncture the tires of the pursued vehicle. Vehicle Contact Action (Ramming, Police Immobilization Technique (PIT)) - Any action undertaken by the pursuing officer intended to result in contact between the moving police vehicle and the pursued vehicle. Vehicle contact actions are forcible stop techniques. 306.7.3 USE OF FIREARMS/VEHICLE CONTACT ACTION Officers involved in a pursuit shall not discharge any firearm from or at a moving vehicle, nor engage in any vehicle contact action except as a last resort in which it reasonably appears necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury to a peace officer or another person where deadly force would otherwise be legally justified. Where feasible, an officer should obtain authorization from a supervisor before discharging a weapon from or at a moving vehicle. 306.7.4 INTERVENTION STANDARDS Any pursuit intervention tactic, depending upon the conditions and circumstances under which it is used, may present dangers to peace 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 deadly force and subject to the requirements for such use. Officers who have not received certified departmental training in the application and use of any intervention tactic or equipment shall consider these facts and requirements prior to deciding how, when, where, and if an intervention tactic should be employed. Those tactics which reasonably may be construed to be a use of deadly force should be employed only as a last resort in which it reasonably appears necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury to a peace officer or another person where deadly force would otherwise be legally Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 12 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Vehicle Pursuits justified. Where feasible, an officer should obtain authorization from a supervisor before applying any tactic which may be reasonably foreseen to be a use of deadly force. Intervention tactic application circumstances include: (a) Officers may use stationary stop techniques to terminate any pursuit so long as the technique is employed in a fashion that is not reasonably calculated to cause death or great bodily harm to persons in the pursued vehicle or others in the vicinity (e.g. the pursued vehicle has sufficient time and distance to stop before reaching the roadblock or the technology employed is designed to disable the vehicle without the loss of control). Where feasible, an officer should obtain authorization from a supervisor before implementing stationary stop techniques. Absent exigent circumstances, such techniques should not be employed by officers that have not been trained in application of the selected technique. (b) Officers may use mobile stop techniques to terminate any pursuit so long as the technique is employed in a fashion that is not reasonably calculated to cause death or great bodily harm to persons in the pursued vehicle or others in the vicinity. Where feasible, an officer should obtain authorization from a supervisor before implementing mobile stop techniques. Absent exigent circumstances, such techniques should not be employed by officers that have not been trained in application of the selected technique. (c) At low speeds the use of forcible stop techniques is permitted when there is legal justification for the use of force. Where feasible, an officer should obtain authorization from a supervisor before implementing forcible stop techniques. Absent exigent circumstances, such techniques should not be employed by officers that have not been trained in application of the selected technique. (d) At high speeds the use of forcible stop techniques is permitted only when there is legal justification for the use of deadly force. Where feasible, an officer should obtain authorization from a supervisor before implementing forcible stop techniques. Absent exigent circumstances, such techniques should not be employed by officers that have not been trained in application of the selected technique. 306.7.5 CAPTURE OF SUSPECTS 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 properly perform their lawful duties. Unless relieved by a supervisor the primary officer should coordinate efforts to apprehend the suspect(s) following the pursuit. Officers should consider safety of the public and the involved officers when formulating plans to contain and capture the suspect. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 13 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Vehicle Pursuits 306.8 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Officers shall complete an appropriate report of the pursuit incident and assign a case reporting number to each pursuit incident. If involved in inter-jurisdictional pursuit, obtain an Illinois State Police Emergency Radio Network (ISPERN) number in addition to their own case reporting number. (a) Pursuit incidents will be investigated thoroughly. The acquisition of statements, photographs, drawings, preliminary medical reports and any other evidentiary items that are or could be relevant to the conduct of the pursuit incident should be completed. (b) A memorandum briefly summarizing the pursuit shall be completed by the monitoring supervisor and sent to the Operations Division Deputy Chief. This memo should minimally contain the following information: (c) (d) 1. Date and time of pursuit. 2. Length of pursuit. 3. Involved units and officers. 4. Initial reason for pursuit. 5. Starting and termination points. 6. Disposition: arrest, citation, etc. Arrestee information should be provided if applicable. 7. Injuries and/or property damage. 8. Medical treatment. 9. Name of supervisor at scene. 10. A preliminary determination that the pursuit appears to be in compliance with this policy or additional review and/or follow up is warranted. The "Pursuit Driving Report" shall be completed by the officer involved in the pursuit and should be submitted to the Operations Deputy Chief for internal evaluation and review to determine: 1. Guideline compliance. 2. Operational needs. 3. Future training needs. The "Pursuit Driving Report" will be submitted to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board, 600 South Second Street, Suite 300, Springfield, Illinois 62704, by each agency involved in a pursuit. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 14 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Vehicle Pursuits 306.8.1 REGULAR AND PERIODIC PURSUIT TRAINING All sworn members of this department will participate no less than annually in regular and periodic department training addressing this policy and the importance of vehicle safety and protecting the public at all times, including a recognition of the need to balance the known offense and the need for immediate capture against the risks to officers and others. 306.8.2 POLICY REVIEW All department officers shall certify in writing that they have received, read and understand this policy initially and upon any amendments. 306.9 APPLICATION OF VEHICLE PURSUIT POLICY This policy has been created with input from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board; Police Pursuit Guidelines (revised March, 2004), in accordance with 50 ILCS 705/7.5. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/29, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department ***DRAFT*** Vehicle Pursuits - 15