FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL
POLICY MANUAL
| SUBJECT EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND PURSUITS |
POLICY NUMBER 17.05 |
| ISSUE DATE 02/01/96 | |
| REVISION DATE 12/17/15 | |
| TOTAL PAGES 13 |
17.05.01 PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines that members of this Division are required to follow when engaged in an emergency response and pursuit situation. This policy aims at balancing the benefits of potential apprehension with the risks associated with the pursuit.
17.05.02 POLICY
Emergency responses and vehicular pursuit of fleeing suspects present a danger to the public, officers and suspects involved in the pursuit. It is the policy of this Division to protect all persons' lives and property to the extent possible when enforcing the law. In addition, it is the responsibility of the Division to assist members in the safe performance of their duties. To affect or to carry out these obligations, it shall be the policy of the Division to regulate the manner in which emergency response and vehicular pursuit are undertaken and performed.
This policy establishes specific guidelines for pursuit driving that will contribute to public safety and facilitate apprehension of criminal offenders. Members are authorized to pursue suspects whom they reasonably believe have committed:
- a felony offense;
- a violation of section 316.192 (reckless driving);
- a violation of section 316.193 (DUI).
Each decision must be based upon the conditions and circumstances existing at the time and by the training and guidelines set forth by the agency.
ALL OTHER PURSUITS ARE PROHIBITED.
NOTE: Pursuit of motorcycles is restricted to forcible felonies.
17.05.03 DEFINITIONS
A. BOXING IN – A deliberate offensive tactic by two or more patrol vehicles to force a vehicle in a specific direction or to force the vehicle to stop or reduce speed accomplished by the maneuvering into place, of patrol vehicles in front of, behind, or beside the vehicle.
POLICY 17.05-1
