Version #: 5
HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Title: Ch. 41.2.02 Operational Pursuits
Document Owner: Mark King (Captain) Date Created:
10/07/2019
Approver(s): Jim Hammond (Sheriff) Date Approved:
10/28/2019
Printed copies are for reference only. Please refer to the electronic copy for the
latest version.
CALEA Standards: 41.2.02
ACA Standards:
NCCHC Standards:
CHAPTER 41
SECTION 2.02 OPERATIONS
41.2.02 EMERGENCY AND PURSUIT VEHICLE OPERATION INTRODUCTION:
Directives in this chapter relate to guidelines for use of emergency vehicles and for
circumstances and procedures for pursuit of motor vehicles.
DEFINITIONS:
1. PURSUIT – An Attempt by a Peace Officer in an Emergency To Apprehend a
Person in or on another Motor vehicle who is Willfully failing to Stop.
2. Emergency Vehicle - To constitute an emergency vehicle, the vehicle must first
have in-use both the required blue lights and siren. Therefore, to be exempt from
the rules of the road governing other vehicles, the driver of an emergency vehicle
must make use of audible and visual signals. Since neither the siren nor the blue
lights alone are sufficient to qualify the vehicle as an emergency vehicle, neither
will be used alone while the vehicle is in motion, except that the blue lights may
be used as a means of identification once the violator has come to a stop, and, in
some cases the lights may be used as a means of identification and safety while
directing traffic or used in a manner without siren if officer is not violating the
rules of the road, i.e. close proximity to certain crimes in progress during arrival
process. This directive applies to marked and unmarked vehicles, as well as
HCSO motorcycles.
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Title: Ch. 41.2.02 Operational Pursuits
A. AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE
All instances of emergency, high-speed, or pursuit driving initiated at and by the
discretion of the individual deputy, must ultimately be justified by the deputy as being a
reasonable practice of authority deemed desirable and necessary to render emergency
aid, or to accomplish the successful apprehension of a fleeing offender. The driver of an
authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in the
pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or when responding to a high priority
call, may exercise the privileges set forth in this section to the conditions herein stated.
The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:
1. Park or stand, in typically restricted parking zones;
2. Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after coming to a
complete stop during heavy traffic periods and at all times slowing down as may
be necessary for a safe passage;
3. Exceed the speed limits so long as he does not endanger life or property;
4. Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified
directions.
5. The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply
only when such vehicle is making use of audible and visual signals in meeting
the requirements of the applicable laws of this state.
6. The foregoing provisions as herein established shall not relieve the driver of an
authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the
safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver from the
consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others. WANTON
ACTS. T.C.A. 39-2-211 (NOTES TO DECISIONS #5) and 55-8-108 SECTION
(D), and NOTES #1, CONDITIONS FOR EXERCISING PRIVILEGES. If
persons, while in pursuit of their lawful and common occupations, see danger
probably arising to others from their acts, and yet persist without giving sufficient
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Title: Ch. 41.2.02 Operational Pursuits
warning of the danger and acting in a blatant disregard for the safety of others a
death or injury which ensues could result in prosecution of the deputy.
B. PURSUITS: TRAFFIC OFFENDERS-TYPES
The contents herein are not meant to take from the deputy his right of decision and/or
judgment. The purpose is to remind each of us that as sheriff’s deputies we may
exercise certain privileges, but subject to conditions. Further, that we must always
consider the safety of others, remembering that unnecessary abuse could be
considered that of reckless conditions and disregard for the safety of others. Extreme
caution is to be taken when attempting to stop or overtake a motorcycle. If a
motorcyclist decides to evade the deputy, then the risks are too extreme and the pursuit
is to be terminated unless exigent circumstances exist which the driver of the
motorcycle is considered an extreme danger to society. All sheriffs’ deputies are to
understand that it is not the intent of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office to unduly
place in jeopardy the deputy, citizen, or property due to a traffic violation or
misdemeanor offense which are not a threat to public safety.
<41.2.2 (d)>
In all misdemeanor and felony situations unmarked units will not violate the rules of the
road and are to avoid engaging in high speed pursuits of another vehicle unless
extenuating circumstances exist which must be documented in writing at the end
of the action. Unmarked vehicles and motorcycles will be held to a higher
standard of documentation and must clearly articulate the enhanced risk of
public safety involved if they failed to pursue <41.2.2(d)>
C. PURSUIT: FELONY OFFENDERS, SERIOUS OFFENSE (Definition of Serious
Offenses as herein described.)
Deputies must be prepared to evaluate their driving skills in terms of existing
circumstances and in terms of the goals of the Sheriff’s Office. A deputy in pursuit of a
serious offender, though the violator may be a felon, shall continually weigh the nature
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Title: Ch. 41.2.02 Operational Pursuits
and seriousness of the violation against the conditions of the pursuit. Emergency
Vehicle drivers should guard against driving beyond their ability or judgment. While a
high-speed pursuit is necessary at times to apprehend dangerous felons, as in all cases
regarding high speed pursuits it is the policy of this department to, as much as possible,
protect the deputy, property and the safety of others. In all cases of pursuit driving, the
rules of "Use of Deadly Force" are to be considered.
1. A reasonable and prudent speed in pursuit of a vehicle involved with a traffic
violation in most cases would require more restraint than pursuit of a vehicle
known or reasonably believed to be involved in the commission of a more serious
offense. For situations involving a high speed pursuit, serious offenses shall not
generally include crimes against property and are to be limited to: murder, rape,
robbery, serious assault, any offense involving the discharge or impending use of
a deadly weapon against a person, any verifiable kidnapping incident, or incident
involving the taking of a hostage, arson, aggravated burglary and domestic
violence.
2. Deputies involved in high speed pursuits should be aware that, at some time
during the course of the incident, the most reasonable course of action would be
termination of the chase. It must be remembered that communications allow for
fast dissemination of information to set up road blocks or other interception of
violators. The safety of the deputies and other parties, including those not directly
involved, may dictate termination of pursuit. Sheriffs’ Deputies working special
assignments that initiate a pursuit will fall under the authority of the appropriate sector
shift supervisor. <41.2.2(a)>
Firearms shall never be discharged by a deputy while driving or occupying a
vehicle engaged in a pursuit, except as a last resort to defend himself/herself or a
citizen from death or grievous bodily harm from gunfire by the fleeing suspect,
and only in conjunction with the rules and conditions allowed under the Use of
Deadly Force.
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Title: Ch. 41.2.02 Operational Pursuits
D. CONTROL OF THE PURSUIT
Number of units participating.
1. The initial pursuing unit (Primary Unit) and the back-up unit (Secondary Unit)
shall be the only units to pursue the suspect vehicle with high speed driving
unless a supervisor authorizes additional units for safety purposes (i.e. felony
situation where subjects may be a clear and present danger to deputies requiring
additional units if the suspect suddenly stops). All other units shall remain alert
to progress and location of the pursuit. unless otherwise directed by the
supervisor and may respond if needed to the area or projected area of the pursuit
to block intersections, act as additional support unit or for rapid backup in the
event the suspect vehicle crashes or suspects occupying the vehicle flee on foot.
2. If the unit initiating the pursuit cannot continue as the Primary Unit, the
Secondary Unit shall become the Primary Unit.
3. The senior deputy or the primary unit may request of the on-duty supervisor
additional units to join the pursuit if it appears certain that the deputies in the two
vehicles involved would not be sufficient to safely affect the arrest of the
suspect(s).
4. In the event a pursuit is initiated by a deputy on a motorcycle, the Motor Deputy
shall abandon the pursuit if joined by two emergency vehicles. If only one
emergency police vehicle arrives the motorcycle deputy should take the position
of the secondary unit as soon as possible.
5. Units not immediately involved in the pursuit or responding to the area of the
pursuit are required to remain available in assigned districts to answer any
incoming calls. Units may move to appropriate positions to assist the pursuit
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Title: Ch. 41.2.02 Operational Pursuits
effort but will not become involved in the pursuit unless otherwise instructed to
assist by a supervisor. <41.2.2(b)(c)>
E. Primary Unit responsibilities. <41.2.2(b)>
The first responsibility of the deputy(s) in the Primary Unit is the apprehension of the
suspect(s) without unnecessarily endangering themselves or other persons. Unless
relieved by a supervisor, the Primary Unit shall be responsible for deciding pursuit
tactics. That deputy’s responsibilities shall also include deciding whether more than two
(2) units are needed and recommending more units join the pursuit, and whether the
pursuit should be abandoned.
F. Secondary Unit Responsibilities. <41.2.2 (c)>
The Secondary Unit, upon joining the pursuit, shall immediately notify communications
by radio that there are two (2) units in the pursuit. No additional units shall become
involved unless they are requested specifically by Primary Unit and approved by the
controlling supervisor. The Secondary Unit shall be responsible for backing up the
Primary Unit and broadcasting pertinent information during and at the termination of the
pursuit. Some examples of support unit responsibilities are as follows:
• Block Intersections or entry/exit ramps
• Deploy spike strips
• Assist in vehicle stopping measures (rolling road blocks, forcible stopping etc.)
Provide additional support for multiple suspects occupying the vehicle
G. Supervisory Responsibilities. <41.2.2 (f)>
The immediate supervisor of the pursuing unit shall assume management control of the
pursuit. The supervisor shall monitor the pursuit, disseminating directions when
necessary and continually assess the situation to ensure the pursuit is conducted within
the guidelines contained herein. If necessary, the concerned supervisor shall assert
control by directing specified units in to or out of the pursuit, approve or order alternative
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Title: Ch. 41.2.02 Operational Pursuits
tactics, reassign the Primary or Secondary units, or terminate the pursuit. A more senior
supervisor may take over control of the pursuit from the immediate supervisor, but there
shall never be more than one supervisor managing a pursuit. <41.2.2(f)>
H. Dispatcher Responsibilities <41.2.2 (e)>
The Communications Center will advise the shift supervisor of the pursuit. The
dispatcher will clear the main radio channel for emergency traffic and designate another
channel for other routine traffic. The dispatcher must always attempt to maintain radio
contact with the officers involved in the pursuit. Instructions will be given to the
Information Dispatcher to perform relevant motor vehicle or record checks and forward
the information to the supervisor and pursuing units as it becomes available. The
dispatcher will advise the pursuing deputies of any road hazards of which they may not
be aware. If the pursuit appears to be leaving the county, the dispatcher shall advise the
proper jurisdiction as soon as possible by telephone or by radio as to the circumstances
and progress of the pursuit. When the pursuit is terminated, the dispatcher shall advise
all units that the radio channel is clear for routine traffic. <41.2.2(e)>
I. Evaluating the circumstances: <41.2.2 (a)>
When engaging in or maintaining a pursuit the following, at a minimum, shall be
considered:
1. Seriousness of the charge; is there probable cause to believe the occupant of the
vehicle has committed, is committing, or will commit a felony involving violence to
a person that could or has resulted in death or serious bodily injury (e.g.,
aggravated assault, rape, armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, aggravated
burglary, arson and domestic violence).
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Title: Ch. 41.2.02 Operational Pursuits
2. Safety of the public if the driver is allowed to continue; i.e. a drunk driver who will
not stop at slow speed but obviously presenting a clear and present danger to
the public.
3. The possibility of apprehending the suspect by pursuit or at a later time by
obtaining warrants.
4. Business districts involving busy intersections, narrow, curved roadways or
freeways, densely populated areas, or heavy traffic volume.
5. Entering school zones during the beginning or ending of school day.
6. Weather and roadway conditions.
7. Time of day or night and visibility factors.
8. Mechanical condition of the patrol car/motorcycle.
9. Sheriffs’ Deputy(s)’ driving skills.
10. Available back-up.
11. Physical and emotional state of pursuing deputies.
12. Extremely hazardous maneuvers by the offender (i.e., driving against on-coming
traffic, driving through cross-traffic, driving among pedestrian traffic)
Pursuing units shall, at all times, stay far enough away from the pursued vehicle
as to avoid a collision if it stops suddenly or changes direction. Units shall slow to
a speed that would permit a stop upon approaching an intersection in case
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Title: Ch. 41.2.02 Operational Pursuits
another vehicle should enter from the intersecting street. Units should safely
enter intersections as required by T.C.A. 55-8-108. <41.2.2(a)>
J. Initiating Deputy(s) Tasks <41.2.2 (b)>
1. It is the deputy's responsibility to notify communications of the reason(s) for a
pursuit and the charges on the person being pursued as well as to periodically
transmit the following information:
a. Location
b. Direction of travel
c. Speed of the pursuit
d. Traffic volume and roadway conditions
e. Other details which would allow the supervisor and
dispatcher to be aware of the pursuing deputy(s)’ situation.
2. To the fullest extent possible, the license number and a detailed description of
the pursued vehicle and occupants will be obtained and broadcast.
3. Failure to transmit any of the above information may be cause for the shift
supervisor to order termination of the pursuit. <41.2.2(b)>
K. Secondary Unit Tasks <41.2.2 (c)>
Sheriffs’ Deputies not involved in the pursuit should curtail radio transmissions except
for emergency traffic. Radio transmissions involving routine operations shall be
switched to a secondary channel.
1. The assisting unit, upon joining the pursuit, shall immediately notify the
dispatcher, and will take over the transmission of all pertinent information.
2. The assisting unit will maintain a safe distance behind the primary unit,
but close enough to render back-up assistance if and when required. There
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Title: Ch. 41.2.02 Operational Pursuits
shall be no attempt by deputies to pass other units involved in the pursuit
unless the passing officer receives specific permission from the Primary Unit
or the shift supervisor.
3. If the primary unit becomes disabled, the assisting unit will become the
primary unit. The Communications Center will advise the shift supervisor
that a new back-up unit is needed. The next unit to join the pursuit will be
designated the back-up unit.
4. Assisting units shall avoid intersecting the path of an on-coming high-speed
vehicle. <41.2.2(c)>
L. Discontinuing Pursuit <41.2.2 (g)>
The pursuing deputies must use their best judgment in evaluating a pursuit, making a
continuous appraisal in deciding if the pursuit should be continued. The element of
personal challenge to the deputy should never enter into the decision. Once one (1) or
more of the following has been determined, unless there are circumstances which
dictate a greater public interest in apprehending the suspect that outweighs the risk of
injury from the pursuit, the pursuit should be terminated.
1. The risk to personal safety and the safety of others outweighs the danger to the
community if the suspect is not apprehended.
2. Environmental factors indicate the futility or danger of continued pursuit.
3. There are other means of apprehending the fleeing person more safely and less
dangerously if the pursuit is terminated.
4. The distance between the pursuing deputy and the violator is so great that further
pursuit is futile, or the deputy loses visual contact with the violator for an
extended period of time.
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Title: Ch. 41.2.02 Operational Pursuits
5. There is an equipment failure involving an emergency signal device, radio,
brakes, steering or other essential equipment.
6. Directed to do so by the controlling supervisor.
7. Recognition of the vehicle and such information can lead to a later arrest.
8. Recognition of the driver and/or passengers, and such information can lead to a
later arrest.
9. Identification of the license plate number and such information can lead to a later
arrest.
10. Sufficient assistance to affect a safe arrest is unavailable.
When a pursuit is terminated without apprehension, deputies shall deactivate
emergency equipment, safely pull off the road, and notify the dispatcher of the
termination and location where pursuit was terminated. When practical deputies will also
provide the dispatcher the last known direction of travel for the suspect vehicle.
In all pursuits deputies involved will submit a written after action report of the
circumstances surrounding the pursuit to their supervisor. A copy of the report will be
forwarded to the Traffic Division Captain for analysis. <41.2.2(g)> (A Pursuit After-
Action Report link is contained in the attachment area of this standard.)
M. PURSUITS INVOLVING OTHER AGENCIES/JURISDICTIONS
Intra-jurisdictional pursuits initiated by another agency. <41.2.2 (h)>
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Title: Ch. 41.2.02 Operational Pursuits
1. When a pursuit is initiated by another jurisdiction within Hamilton County or
continues into Hamilton County, the shift supervisor will normally determine what
assistance is to be given and make assignments accordingly. The supervisor's
decision will be made based on the facts in which the pursuit originated and the
seriousness of the charges on the person being pursued, as given by
Communications.
2. Sheriffs’ Deputies will not join in, or continue in pursuit outside the county, when
the pursuit was initiated by another jurisdiction, unless directed by a supervisor.
Deputies who have no knowledge of a pursuit but observe one of another
jurisdiction may assist while attempting to obtain information as to the reason for
the pursuit and shall make decisions based on facts received via radio or a
supervisor. Consideration should be given when outside agencies have a single
unit engaged in a pursuit within Hamilton County. HCSO is not considered the
primary but is acting as a support unit for officer safety concerns. At the direction
of a supervisor, HCSO personnel may leave the county to provide continued
backup support for a single unit pursuit from another agency.
3. If the vehicle being pursued is stopped inside Hamilton County, the shift
supervisor will be responsible for assigning deputies to respond and to render
assistance to the pursuing agency upon notification of the traffic stop.
4. Upon termination of a pursuit, deputies involved will submit a written report of the
pursuit to their supervisor. The report should state all pertinent facts concerning
the pursuit as well as a critique of the pursuit.
5. Emergency response of any type into other jurisdictions without dispatch from
Communications and/or authorization by the deputy’s immediate supervisor is
prohibited.
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Title: Ch. 41.2.02 Operational Pursuits
N. Inter-jurisdictional pursuits initiated by the Hamilton County Sheriff's
Office.
1. Deputies of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office during pursuit of a vehicle
which leads outside of Hamilton County shall notify communications.
2. Upon the supervisor's approval, the dispatcher will advise that jurisdiction as
soon as possible of the pursuit either by radio or by phone. The dispatcher
will advise that jurisdiction of the reason for the pursuit, the charges, and
other information that may be needed in the apprehension of the person
being pursued.
3. Hamilton County Deputies will fully cooperate with the officers of the
jurisdiction involved. All Hamilton County procedures pertaining to pursuits
are applicable to deputies assisting another jurisdiction in a pursuit or
participating in a pursuit in another jurisdiction. <41.2.2(h)>
4. Upon termination of a pursuit, deputies involved will submit a written report of
the pursuit to their supervisor. The report should state all pertinent facts
concerning the pursuit as well as a critique of the pursuit.
M. After Action Reports: <41.2.2 (i)>
All pursuits will be documented with an after action report entered into “Blue-
Team Software” entered by each participating deputy with an administrative
review performed by the Shift Sergeant and Lieutenant. The Pursuit Report
(After Action) will then be forwarded to the team Captain who will review and
then forward to Internal Affairs for tracking. <41.2.2(i)>
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Title: Ch. 41.2.02 Operational Pursuits
Annual Review:
The HCSO Analyst will conduct an annual analysis of all pursuit reports to
determine if any departmental patterns or trends are developed that indicate
training needs and/or policy modifications that should be addressed. The
analysis will be forwarded to the Captain of Uniform Services, the Deputy
Chief of Law Enforcement and the Chief Deputy. The report will also be sent
to the Lieutenant of Training. <41.2.2(j)>
A Documented annual review of Pursuit Policies and Reporting Procedures
will be conducted. <41.2.2(k)>
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