Pursuit Procedures

Pursuits are high-risk situations that require precise coordination and communication. Officers must follow the procedures outlined in the LSPD Pursuit Guidelines to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Initiating the Pursuit:

Primary Vehicle: The officer who initiates the pursuit becomes the ‘primary’ vehicle. The primary officer's main objective is to maintain pace with the suspect and lead the pursuit.
Secondary Vehicle: The next arriving vehicle will be designated as the ‘secondary.’ This officer is responsible for communicating over the radio. If the secondary vehicle 10-50s (crashes) or loses sight of the suspect, the next available vehicle will assume the secondary role. If no other vehicles are present, the primary vehicle will take over communications until a secondary unit arrives.
Tertiary Vehicle: The third unit to arrive becomes the ‘tertiary’ vehicle. This officer supports the primary and secondary units by providing additional backup and assisting in managing the pursuit. They can be floating between parallel and tertiary.

Radio Communication:

Constant Updates: Continuous radio communication is crucial for effective pursuit management. Provide updates on the pursuit’s location and status in a clear and understandable manner.
Location Reporting: Use street names, landmarks, and compass directions for accurate updates:
- Example: “Heading North on Main Street, turning left onto Elm Avenue Westbound.”
Vehicle Actions: Call out the suspect’s actions, such as speed changes, turns, or any significant behavior (e.g., “Suspect is breaking, taking a left. Driver’s speaking on the radio”).
Directional Updates: Use compass directions (North, East, South, West) to provide accurate navigational information.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Primary Vehicle: Maintains pace with the suspect and leads the pursuit. Communicates key updates and instructions to other units.
Secondary Vehicle: Manages radio communication, provides updates, and supports the primary vehicle. Assumes the primary role if the primary vehicle is unable to continue.
Parallel Vehicle: Manages/Blocks routes the suspect may take or possible decamp spots. Provides backup to the Primary and Secondary as needed.

Communication and Coordination:

Directing Pursuing Units: As the primary vehicle, you are responsible for instructing other pursuing units. This includes:
- Routing: Direct other units on whether to take alternative routes or follow the primary.
- Special Instructions:
  - Request units to pull off if there are too many involved, limiting the pursuit to 4.5 units unless it is a 13A situation.
  - Pursuits can have 4.5 units attached, the .5 unit being a Moto unit for help with decamp areas or as needed. Refer to MOTO SOPs for more information.
- Alleyways: ONLY the Primary unit/Pursuit Leader is to follow a vehicle down an alleyway. ALL other units are to drive around. This is to minimize the effectiveness of suspects using blocks and spikes

Driving Conditions and Suspect Threat Level:

Assess Conditions: Consider driving conditions and the suspect’s threat level when making decisions during the pursuit:

Safety and Policy:

Follow Guidelines: Always adhere to the LSPD Pursuit Guidelines to ensure that pursuits are conducted safely and within department policies.
Evaluate Risks: Continuously assess the risks involved, including traffic conditions, weather, and suspect behavior, to determine whether the pursuit should continue or if PITs need to be authorized.

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Initiating the Pursuit:

Primary Vehicle: The officer who initiates the pursuit becomes the ‘primary’ vehicle. The primary officer's main objective is to maintain pace with the suspect and lead the pursuit.

Secondary Vehicle: The next arriving vehicle will be designated as the ‘secondary.’ This officer is responsible for communicating over the radio. If the secondary vehicle 10-50s (crashes) or loses sight of the suspect, the next available vehicle will assume the secondary role. If no other vehicles are present, the primary vehicle will take over communications until a secondary unit arrives.

Tertiary Vehicle: The third unit to arrive becomes the ‘tertiary’ vehicle. This officer supports the primary and secondary units by providing additional backup and assisting in managing the pursuit. They can be floating between parallel and tertiary.

Radio Communication:

Constant Updates: Continuous radio communication is crucial for effective pursuit management. Provide updates on the pursuit’s location and status in a clear and understandable manner.

Location Reporting: Use street names, landmarks, and compass directions for accurate updates:

Example: “Heading North on Main Street, turning left onto Elm Avenue Westbound.”

Vehicle Actions: Call out the suspect’s actions, such as speed changes, turns, or any significant behavior (e.g., “Suspect is breaking, taking a left. Driver’s speaking on the radio”).

Directional Updates: Use compass directions (North, East, South, West) to provide accurate navigational information.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Primary Vehicle: Maintains pace with the suspect and leads the pursuit. Communicates key updates and instructions to other units.

Secondary Vehicle: Manages radio communication, provides updates, and supports the primary vehicle. Assumes the primary role if the primary vehicle is unable to continue.

Parallel Vehicle: Manages/Blocks routes the suspect may take or possible decamp spots. Provides backup to the Primary and Secondary as needed.

Communication and Coordination:

Directing Pursuing Units: As the primary vehicle, you are responsible for instructing other pursuing units. This includes:

Routing: Direct other units on whether to take alternative routes or follow the primary.
Special Instructions:
- Request units to pull off if there are too many involved, limiting the pursuit to 4.5 units unless it is a 13A situation.
- Pursuits can have 4.5 units attached, the .5 unit being a Moto unit for help with decamp areas or as needed. Refer to MOTO SOPs for more information.
Alleyways: ONLY the Primary unit/Pursuit Leader is to follow a vehicle down an alleyway. ALL other units are to drive around. This is to minimize the effectiveness of suspects using blocks and spikes

Safety and Policy:

Follow Guidelines: Always adhere to the LSPD Pursuit Guidelines to ensure that pursuits are conducted safely and within department policies.

Evaluate Risks: Continuously assess the risks involved, including traffic conditions, weather, and suspect behavior, to determine whether the pursuit should continue or if PITs need to be authorized.