Pinellas Park Police Department VEHICLE PURSUITS
2203.03 Responsibilities of the Primary Unit A. The officer driving the primary unit shall notify the communication section that he or she is in pursuit. The primary unit shall provide dispatch the following information: 1. unit identification; 2. crime for which the suspect is being pursued; 3. suspect vehicle description, including license number; 4. location, direction, and speed of both vehicles; 5. description of the occupant(s) and if the suspect is known to the officer. B. The primary pursuit vehicle shall have all emergency equipment activated during the pursuit. C. If a supervisor communicates with the driver of a pursuit vehicle, the driver shall acknowledge the communication. D. The driver of the pursuit vehicle shall make sure that two-way radio communication has been established with either dispatch or a supervisor. The driver of the pursuit vehicle shall take any steps necessary to ensure clear reception of radio traffic. In the event of a radio failure, or radio reception is so poor that the primary officer cannot copy or understand radio traffic, the officer shall immediately terminate participation in the pursuit. 2203.04 Responsibilities of the Secondary Unit A. The driver of the secondary unit will remain at a safe distance behind the primary unit, but close enough to provide support and communication with dispatch when necessary. B. All secondary units shall have all emergency flashing lights activated during the pursuit. Sirens shall be on when appropriate (noting that the siren can interfere with clear radio communications). Sirens shall be used when crossing intersections against traffic control devices. C. A secondary unit shall not attempt to overtake or assume a primary position unless the primary unit drops out of position, or the movement or tactic is part of a termination tactic or authorized by a supervisor. 2203.05 Supervisor's Responsibilities A. The supervisor shall have control over the activities of the pursuit. Once the supervisor is notified that a pursuit is in progress, the supervisor shall take command and monitor the pursuit activities. B. The supervisor shall request critical information necessary to determine the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Whether the pursuit should be continued; Whether the units involved in the pursuit are sufficient; The status of aviation support; Whether neighboring jurisdictions have been notified of the pursuit and if their assistance is needed; A plan to safely terminate the pursuit.
SOP 2203.Vehicle Pursuits.V5. (LR 8/2013)
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