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.
Pursuit Roles & Responsibilities
Primary Unit:
Stays with the suspect and leads the chase.
Gives instructions to other units if needed.
Takes over radio comms if no secondary is present.
Secondary Unit:
Handles all radio communication (locations, turns, updates).
If they crash or lose eyes, the next unit becomes secondary.
If no one else is available, the primary does comms until backup arrives.
Tertiary Unit:
Backs up the primary and secondary units.
May float to parallel routes or help with roadblocks.
Parallel Units:
Block off possible escape routes or assist in decamps.
Only support — do not take over pursuit roles unless instructed.
Radio Communication
Keep It Clear & Constant:
Give regular updates on:
Location (e.g., "Northbound on Vespucci Blvd")
Turns/Direction (use compass directions: N, S, E, W)
Suspect actions (e.g., "Braking hard", "Talking on radio")
Unit Limit in Pursuits
Max of 5 units allowed:
5 vehicles
0.5 = one MOTO unit (for foot chases/decamps)
If more show up, primary can instruct extras to pull off.
Only the Primary follows into alleyways. All others must go around.
Pursuit Driving Rules
Line Formation
Stay in a single file line behind the lead unit.
No overtaking unless absolutely necessary.
If you must overtake, ask permission over radio and say which side you’ll pass on (e.g., “Passing on the left”).
Spacing
Keep at least 3 car lengths behind the unit in front.
This prevents crashes from sudden stops or brake checks.
Be alert — suspects may intentionally slam brakes to force a crash.
Road Discipline
Stick to proper lanes of travel.
Do not drive on sidewalks, grass, or medians unless the suspect goes off-road first.
Maintain clean driving — reckless chasing endangers everyone.
Use of Force During Pursuits
PIT Maneuvers
Under 100 MPH:
PITs are allowed once authorized, and can be used more freely.
Lower speeds = lower risk of rollovers or major injury.
Under 120 MPH:
PITs still allowed once authorized, but only if absolutely necessary.
Must be done with extra caution due to higher danger.
⚠️ Do NOT use tasers from moving vehicles — this is strictly prohibited.
When a pursuit vehicle requires repairs during an active chase, the following guidelines must be followed:
Repair Location: All repairs must be completed at Los Santos Customs (LSC) or the Northern Auto Shop Repairs at the MRPD bench are not permitted.
Detachment for Repair: The unit requiring repairs must detach from the pursuit and inform other units via radio.
Re-Attachment: Once repairs are complete, the same unit can re-attach to the pursuit after notifying dispatch and other units.
No Replacement Vehicles: Other units cannot attach as a replacement for the vehicle undergoing repairs.
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