Vehicle Pursuits - Procedure
Last updated
Last updated
Vehicle pursuit (10-80) is the PDs bread and butter, pursuits are high pace and rapidly changing, below are rules and guidelines to keep us all safe:
When you are involved in a Vehicle Pursuit you should radio over a description of the vehicle. Plate, Colour, Make, Model and how many times occupied.
Communication on radio will be given on a regular heartbeat to give Street name, Direction and cardinal directions. Landmarks can be used when struggling or going offroad.
If Air 1 is involved in the pursuit their co-pilot will take comms. If Primary is doubled up then the passenger will take comms, else secondary would be responsible for comms.
Primary`s main responsibility is keeping eyes on the vehicle
Secondary main responsibility is keeping eyes on and doing comms
Tertiary are there to apply pressure to the chase and take over from secondary should Primary crash out.
If you crash out, regardless of what position you are in, you must remain stationary to let the rest of the pursuit pass without contact.
Spacing should be around a bus length between cars. Zig Zagging vehicles in pursuits is a good way to ensure you do not rear end another unit if they brake check.
Just because you started in primary position does not mean you automatically take back that position. You would only take back primary if you are in an interceptor and it is required or if you are asked to take back primary by the current primary unit.
PBS will be requested by Primary and approved by IC. Primary is also responsible for requesting additional units if they think it is required. IC would approve and coordinate this.
Parallel units will remain running along side and look to utilise blocks where safe. The idea of a block is to make the chase go in a direction the suspect doesn’t want it to go.
Parallel units will use tactical maneuverers like when PBS is approved.
Blocks from parallel should be to reduce options by blocking turns. Under no circumstances should blocks be direct.
If a Pursuit turns to a Foot chase ensure that there is appropriate numbers chasing fleeing suspects on foot but at least 1 motor unit should stay mobile.
All units should be Code 3 during a chase
If you are out of the chase completely use /311 to inform the team
All units will use lights and sirens during the pursuit.
VCB should be called as soon as possible after primary loses eyes, reiterating the Plate, Colour, Make, Model and how many times occupied. If possible highlighting the primary target for arrest. Units should then code 6 and call areas code 4.
After Code 6 has been completed for a suitable length of time, Code 4 UTL should be called by the primary on scene.
Use of Lethal Force or Tire Shots
Once authorisation has been granted by IC to shoot at tires or use lethal force, taking tires would only be authorised to slow down a fleeing suspect until ground units can chase. If you are in a pursuit that is dangerous enough that lives are being put at significant risk and an authorisation decision is to be made, that should be the decision of lethal force against the driver. Authorising tires is a needless escalation that will most likely result in officers being shot, so should be carefully considered. The following guidelines apply:
Passenger Engagement: Only the passenger should fire at tires and only at lower speed(<50mph) or in safe conditions (e.g., not in densely populated areas).
Stationary Vehicle: If the suspect vehicle is immobilised or stalled, an officer may discharge their weapon while positioned outside and using the vehicle door as cover.
Driver Restriction: The driver must never attempt to both drive and shoot simultaneously, as it poses an extreme danger of crashing or misfire.
Safety Override: If the pursuit becomes too hazardous to continue, the chase should be terminated. For authorising the shooting of tires always follow
