Opinion ID: 1735503
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: the existence of police policy which prohibits pursuit under the circumstances

Text: ¶ 74. The City had in effect the following Pursuit of Motor Vehicles policy: The seriousness of the possible outcome of a fresh pursuit demand that an officer weigh many factors when deciding whether or not to chase a vehicle in the name of the citizens he serves. Some of the specific questions an officer must ask himself before initiating a fresh pursuit would include: 1. Does the seriousness of the crime committed, or being committed, warrant a high speed chase at unsafe speeds? 2. What is the probability of apprehending the fleeing person? 3. Will the pursuit take place on residential streets, in a business district, or on a freeway? What is the danger to other innocent citizens in these areas? 4. What are the traffic and weather conditions? 5. What is the condition fo (sic) the police cruiser? How are the tires, brakes, steering, etc.?    6. Is there another officer in the cruiser with him? ¶ 75. Furthermore, the policy provides: In the instance that the chase is initiated, the safety of all concerned must be considered. As previously stated, it is important that the officer weigh the seriousness of the offense against the hazards present to innocent citizens who may become involved. As the chase is continued, this question must be continuously asked. THE DEPARTMENT EXPECTS AN OFFICER TO IMMEDIATELY TERMINATE A FRESH PURSUIT WHENEVER THE RISH (sic) TO THE POLICE CRUISER, THE VEHICLE BEING PURSUED, OR SAFETY OF INNOCENT CITIZENS OUTWEIGHS THE DANGER TO THE COMMUNITY TO THE SUSPECT WERE NOT IMMEDIATELY APPREHENDED. ¶ 76. These factors in the City's policy are not substantially different from the factors discussed by this Court. ¶ 77. This factor weighs in favor of Officer Tolbert.