Policy Text
DEPARTMENTAL
GENERAL
ORDER
J-4
Index as
Pursuit Driving
Effective Date
25 Aug 14
Evaluation Coordinator:
Training Section Commander
Evaluation Due Date:
25 Feb 15
Modified By:
SO 9192 (28 Dec 18)
i
PURSUIT DRIVING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. VALUE STATEMENT ................................ ................................ ......................... 1
II. ENGAGING IN A VEHICLE PURSUIT ................................ ........................... 1
III. RISK FACTORS ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 2
IV. DUTIES OF INVOLVED PERSONNEL ................................ ........................... 3
V. AUTHORIZED UNITS AND OFFICER RESPONSIBILITY ........................ 5
VI. DRIVING RULES, TACTICS AND TECHNIQUES ................................ ....... 7
VII. ROLE OF AUXILIARY/UNINVOLVED UNITS ................................ ............. 8
VIII. SUPERVISORY AND COMMAND RESPONSIBILITY .............................. 10
IX. PURSUITS INTO OTHER JURISDICTIONS ................................ ................ 12
X. OUTSIDE AGENCY PURSUITS WITHIN THE CITY OF OAKLAND .... 13
XI. HELICOPTER SUPPORT ................................ ................................ ................ 14
XII. POST PURSUIT APPREHENSION ................................ ................................ . 15
DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT J-4 Effective Date
25 Aug 14
ii
XIII. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ................................ ................................ ..... 16
A. State Reporting ................................ ................................ .......................... 16
B. Level 1 – Supervisors/Commanders ................................ ......................... 16
C. Level 2 – Primary Officer ................................ ................................ ......... 18
D. Level 2 – Supervisors/Commanders ................................ ......................... 18
E. Level 3 – Primary Officer ................................ ................................ ......... 21
F. Level 3 – Supervisors/Commanders ................................ ......................... 21
G. Non-Response P ursuit – Primary Officer ................................ ................. 22
H. Non-Response P ursuit – Supervisors/Commanders ................................ .. 22
I. BFO Admin ................................ ................................ ............................... 22
J. Training Section ................................ ................................ ........................ 23
K. Communications Se ctions ................................ ................................ ......... 23
L. Fatal Accident Scene Team ................................ ................................ ....... 23
M. IAD ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 23
N. Homicide ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 24
XIV. IMPOUNDING VEHICLES UNDER AUTHORITY 14602.7(a) CVC ......... 24
XV. DEPARTMENTAL SAFETY COORDINATOR/COMMITTEE ................. 24
XVI. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS ................................ ................................ ........ 25
APPENDIX A – DEFINITIONS AND TERMINIOLOGY ................................ ........ 27
A. Vehicle Pursuit ................................ ................................ .......................... 27
B. Non-Response Pursuit ................................ ................................ ............... 27
C. Serious Bodily Injury ................................ ................................ ................ 27
D. Great Bodily Injury ................................ ................................ ................... 27
E. Pursuit Interventio n Maneuver s (PIM) ................................ ..................... 27
F. Officer ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 27
G. Involved Officer ................................ ................................ ........................ 27
H. Violent Forcible Crime Officer ................................ ................................ . 28
I. Unmarked Vehicle ................................ ................................ .................... 29
J. Level 1 Pursuit ................................ ................................ .......................... 29
K. Level 2 Pursuit ................................ ................................ .......................... 29
L. Level 3 Pursuit ................................ ................................ .......................... 29
DEPARTMENTAL
GENERAL
ORDER
J-4
Index as :
Pursuit Driving
Effective Date
25 Aug 14
Evaluation Coordinator:
Training Section Commander
Evaluation Due Date:
25 Feb 15
Automatic Revision Cycle:
3 Years
Page 1 of 29
PURSUIT DRIVING
The purpose of this order is to establish Departme ntal policy and procedures for vehicle
pursuit s.
I. VALUE STATEMENT
The protection of human life shall be the primary consideration when deciding to
engage in a vehicle pursuit. Vehicle pursuits are inherently dangerous , but at times
may be necessary to apprehend dangerous criminals who evade police in an attempt
to escape. However, the decision to engage in a vehicle pursuit to immediate ly
apprehen d a fleeing suspect requires a careful weighing of the risks to the safety of
officers , motorists, bystand ers and the general public versus the benefit to public
safety . Therefore, this policy only allows vehicle pursuits for violent forcible
crimes and /or crimes involving the use or possession of firearms.
II. ENGAGING IN A VEHICLE PURSUIT
A. What is a ve hicle pursuit
A Vehicle Pursuit is an event involving one or more law enforcement
officers attempting to apprehend a suspected or actual violator of the law in
a motor vehicle while the driver is using evasive tactics, such as high speed
driving, driving off a highway or turning suddenly and failing to yield to the
officer’s signal to stop.
B. When a pursuit may be initiated
Vehicle pursuits may only be initiated when there is reasonable suspicion
to believe the suspect committed