Page:Vehicle Pursuit Policy (17.05) of Florida Highway Patrol, 2015 Revision.pdf/6

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driving. As soon as practicable, the member shall relay the following information:

a. Location;
b. Direction of travel;
c. Original violation;
d. Description of pursued vehicle including tag number, to the extent known;
e. Description of occupants of the pursued vehicle, if and to the extent known;
f. Speed;
g. Traffic conditions; and
h. Other evasive action taken by the violator.

2. If no back-up unit is available, the primary pursuing member shall provide updates to the Regional Communications Center on a regular basis.

3. If the member or supervisor determines that the hazards created by the pursuit outweigh the necessity for immediate apprehension, the pursuit shall be terminated.

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 a pursuit.

5. At anytime a pursuit is discontinued, the Regional Communications Center is to be notified. All members shall return to their zones and assigned duties unless otherwise instructed by a supervisor.

G. BACK-UP UNIT

Only the primary and two back-up vehicles shall be authorized for direct participation in a pursuit. A supervisor has the discretion to authorize more than two back-up units in an active pursuit.

1. The back-up units, upon joining the pursuit, shall be immediately identified as such to the Regional Communications Center. If the primary pursuing unit is a one-person unit, the assisting unit(s) should assume radio communications responsibility, allowing the primary pursuing unit to devote full attention to his/her driving.

2. Back-up units will maintain a safe distance behind the primary pursuing unit but remain close enough to render assistance if required. A back-up unit shall not attempt to pursue or assume control unless the primary unit drops out or a supervisor directs such action.

POLICY 17.05-6