> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.blainecountysheriffoffice.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.blainecountysheriffoffice.org/sop/section-5-department-procedure/5.19-pursuit-policy.md). # 5.19 - Pursuit Policy When engaging in a pursuit, Deputys must ensure the safety of the public and themselves. As such, specific care must be taken to ensure the prevention of collisions with motorists, other Deputy's, and suspects, and Deputy will operate with utmost regard for public safety and responsibly during Emergency Operation. Operation that may seem grossly endangering the public shall be warranted and carried out with the upmost responsibility and caution. Emergency Operation may require that an Deputy drive in inherently dangerous means, such as against the opposite direction of travel, however the operation in itself is not a policy violation, but rather when the Deputy acts in a blatant manner that would cause unavoidable harm to themselves or others or otherwise deemed grossly negligent and without warranting scenario. Deputy's are liable to Disciplinary Action if they cause an accident, injury, or death when driving in Emergency Operation. The apprehension of suspects is secondary to both Public and Deputy Safety. In addition to these requirements, the following measures are to be adhered to in order to facilitate both Deputy safety and effective apprehension of suspects: When a pursuit is initiated, the pursuing Deputy shall immediately through radio notify Communications of the pursuit with the subject vehicle, the location of them pursuit, and the direction of travel. A pursuit intervention timer will be activated at the initiation of any vehicle pursuit. The maximum allowable time for a pursuit is 15 minutes. After 5 minutes, the pursuit must be immediately reviewed by a Supervisor. The Supervisor will assess the situation based on current risk factors, the severity of the offense, and the potential for apprehension. Primary Deputy shall Terminate a Pursuit prior to the attachment or arrival of a secondary unit or supervisor. A Supervisor shall be immediately attached to the pursuit and coordinate the proper response: Required Assistance - How many Units are required Available Assets, such as Airship. Alternate Pursuit Ending Techniques. The Supervisor shall be in command of the Pursuit and shall be notified of any attaching units (MAX OF 4), possible ending techniques, and any other communication related to the Pursuit. A Supervisor shall Terminate the Pursuit if the risk to public safety is too great. **Pursuits must be terminated if the risk to officers or the public outweighs the need for immediate apprehension. Factors include, but are not limited to, increased traffic density, adverse weather conditions, or the suspect's reckless driving behavior.** An Airship shall activate and be attached to assist, if possible, Ground Units will then seek Alternate Pursuit Ending Techniques Airships shall assume control of the Radio Transmissions pertaining to the pursuit. Pursuing Units shall seek alternate pursuit ending techniques as frequently as possible Tire Deflation Tactics Roadblocks Pursuit Intervention Techniques (PIT) shall be utilized as safely and efficiently as possible. In the event the suspects commit a violent felony. In the event of a Foot Bail, the Supervisor shall coordinate appropriate measures to track, locate, and apprehend the suspect(s). Airship shall clear off at the request or permission of the Supervisor Units shall clear off at the request or permission of the Supervisor. **All pursuits, regardless of duration, must be thoroughly documented in accordance with established reporting procedures. This documentation must include the activation and deactivation times of the pursuit timer, as well as the rationale for any decisions made during the pursuit.** This policy is being implemented to ensure that we are conducting pursuits in the safest and most responsible manner possible. Your cooperation and adherence to this policy are essential. If you have any questions or require clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Office of the Commissioner. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://www.blainecountysheriffoffice.org/sop/section-5-department-procedure/5.19-pursuit-policy.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.