Policy Text
I.
PURSUITS General Order #21
Effective: 08/17/2020 CFA 14.05 14.07 18.10
Revised: 07/13/2023
APPROVED: CHIEF CARLOS NORIEGA
POLICY
Police officers are called upon to engage in emergency vehicle operations in response to
calls for assistance or crimes in progress that may result in the high-speed pursuit of law
violators. The conditions and privileges that drivers of authorized emergency vehicles
must obey and comply with are contained in Chapter 316.072(5) Authorized Emergency
Vehicles, Florida Statutes.
Florida Statutes recognize this facet of police operations and specify the conditions and
privileges that operators of authorized emergency vehicles must adhere to. The statutes
contain a warning that endangering life and property by reckless disregard for the safety
of others is not protected under the provisions of the statutes, even if the operator of the
vehicle is responding to an emergency or is engaged in a pursuit.
It is the policy of the Department to consider the welfare and safety of officers, the general
public, and the suspect(s) when utilizing Department vehicles in emergency and pursuit
situations. It is further Department policy that this will be accomplished with due regard to
the seriousness of the offense and in compliance with all applicable laws.
DEFINITIONS
Pursuit: An active attempt by a law enforcement officer in a motor vehicle to
apprehend one or more occupants of another moving motor vehicle, where the driver of
the fleeing vehicle is aware of the attempt and is resisting apprehension.
Violent Felony: A felony involving violence or the threat of violence to another
person. Such crimes may include but are not limited to murder, manslaughter, armed
robbery, sexual battery, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, or any other felony which
includes the use or threat of physical force or violence to a person.