Page:Vehicle Pursuit Policy (17.05) of Florida Highway Patrol, 2015 Revision.pdf/3

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O. PURSUIT POLICY COMPLIANCE REVIEW – A review by the Troop Commander of pursuit policy compliance by all affected members and communications personnel within his/her troop.

P. PURSUIT TERMINATION DEVICE (PTD) – A device that, when driven over, is designed to puncture and deflate a vehicle’s tires at a controlled rate.

Q. ROLLING ROADBLOCK – A patrol vehicle or vehicles moving in the same direction in front of and deliberately slowing or attempting to slow the target vehicle by use of the patrol vehicle(s). Members should consider the size of the vehicle, speed and other attendant circumstances involved prior to utilizing a rolling roadblock.

R. SUPERVISOR – Refers to any sworn supervisor of the Florida Highway Patrol.

S. UNMARKED POLICE VEHICLE – Any police vehicle that is equipped with emergency equipment but not marked with distinctive emblems and/or colors.

17.05.04 PROCEDURES

A. EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO CALLS

Members engaged in an emergency response situation are not relieved from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall the provisions of Section 316.072, Florida Statutes, protect the member from the consequences of his/her reckless disregard for the safety of others. Additionally, all members engaged in any emergency response situation shall comply with the following procedures.

1. Immediately engage emergency lights and/or siren, which shall remain engaged throughout the emergency response. Four-way flashers may interfere with brake lights and turn signals, and therefore, shall not be activated while the vehicle is in motion during the emergency response.

2. Stop for all stop signs and red traffic lights and proceed only after all other vehicles have yielded the right-of-way.

3. Speed shall not exceed 15 MPH over the posted speed limit unless:

a. an immediate threat exists, and
b. the member’s quick response is necessary, and
c. circumstances allow for the safe operation of the patrol vehicle at higher speeds.

Speed, entering and exiting a tollbooth, shall never be greater than the posted speed limit or if not posted, 15 MPH.

4. In the event of any vehicle equipment failure/damage that could affect the safe operation of the patrol vehicle, the member operating the damaged vehicle shall not initiate or continue emergency response mode and shall notify the Regional Communications Center.

POLICY 17.05-3