Pursuits

Highway Patrol are in charge of a few duties, one of them being managing and leading high speed pursuits (HSPs). As the number one division for pursuits, we must ensure every pursuit is managed properly and is safe and effective. Below you can find all the rules to a pursuit, as well as general tips.

BEFORE joining/leading a pursuit:

You should:

1. Ensure your vehicle is powerful enough to stay within a reasonable distance of the suspect (don't use SUVs or slow vehicles)

2. Have common sense. If the suspect's vehicle is too fast and it's proving difficult to maintain a good distance, do not join the pursuit.

3. Ensure the other officers in the pursuit (if there are any) are driving safely and won't crash/spin out.

4. Ensure your device is in a suitable state. E.G: Don't join if you're lagging or your graphics are set to the lowest setting.

When in a pursuit:

If at any time you feel you cannot continue the pursuit, leave it carefully.

1. If you're in a very powerful car, take primary.

2. If you begin to lag, your car runs out of fuel, etc, leave the pursuit.

3. ONLY perform a pit manouver if it is safe to do so. Ensure there are little to no civilian vehicles near you, and ensure the road is open and doesn't have many objects in the middle.

4. Have STG 3 ELS and sirens on at all times to alert civilians. Usage of your horn is also recommended when driving through populated areas.

5. Let faster units overtake you

6. Keep a reasonable distance from the suspect at all times. Do not go too close in case of a sudden turn or brake and do not stay too far back in case you lose sight of them.

Once the pursuit has ended:

After you've pitted their vehicle or grappled them:

Ensure all vehicle fires are extinguished as soon as possible.

1. Make sure the scene is safe. Be aware of burning vehicles if there are any, be aware of civilians if you're in the middle of the road. If available, an officer should set up traffic diversions.

2. If the suspect runs, chase them with a taser or firearm, up to you to decide what to use.

3. If the suspect remains in their vehicle, at least 3 officers should have firearms drawn, demanding they step out.

4. Make the arrest when it is safe to do so.