Purpose:

To ensure all vehicle pursuits are handled safely, professionally, and with clear, structured communication across all involved law enforcement units.

1. Initiating a Pursuit

Only initiate a pursuit if the suspect fails to stop after you have activated lights and sirens.

Before pursuing, consider:

• Is the offense serious?

• Does the suspect pose an immediate threat to public safety?

❗️Do NOT pursue for minor infractions (e.g., expired tags, broken headlights) unless the situation escalates (reckless driving, evasion).

2. Radio Communication During a Pursuit

At Pursuit Initiation:

Call it out immediately using the following format:

“[R-WI] [Unit Number], initiating 10-80 with civilian vehicle, heading [Direction] on [Street Name], vehicle is a [Color, Make, Model], speeds approx. [Speed] MPH, traffic [Light/Moderate/Heavy], weather [Clear/Rainy/Foggy], requesting backup.”

Example:

“[R-WI] 231, initiating 10-80 northbound on Greenville Dr with a black Dodge Charger, speeds 80 MPH, moderate traffic, weather is clear. Requesting backup.”

During Pursuit:

Update at every major turn, speed change, or change in traffic/suspect behavior.

Example:

“[R-WI] 231, suspect turned eastbound on Main Street, traffic light, speeds 70 MPH.”

Radio Communication Protocol:

• Primary Unit: Calls all pursuit updates.

• Secondary Units: Speak only when necessary (e.g., PIT attempt, suspect crash, critical changes).

• Losing visual:

  “[R-WI] 231, suspect out of sight, last seen northbound on Oak Street. Terminating pursuit unless re-located.”

3. Pursuit Roles

• Primary Unit:

  • Leads the pursuit.

  • Provides all radio updates.

  • May request PIT or intervention if authorized.

• Secondary/Backup Units:

  • Support the lead unit.

  • Assist with tactics such as spike deployment or blocking routes.

  • Maintain spacing and readiness.

• Supervisor (if online):

  • Has final authority to continue or terminate any pursuit.

  • Monitors safety, legality, and proper procedure.

4. Pursuit Termination

Terminate the pursuit if:

• The suspect is lost and the area is unsafe for continued search.

• Traffic or weather conditions pose a danger to public or officer safety.

• A supervisor orders termination.

Termination Call-Out:

“[R-WI] 231, pursuit terminated. Suspect last seen near Main & Birch. Returning to patrol unless further instructed.”

5. Pursuit Interventions

PIT Maneuver:

• Only authorized if:

  • Speeds are under 60 MPH.

  • Risk to the public is minimal.

• Must call out and request permission:

  “[R-WI] 231, requesting PIT at [location].”

Box-In:

• Attempt only at low speeds and in controlled conditions.

• Requires coordination between units.

Spike Strips:

• Use only if:

  • Authorized by server rules.

  • Deployment location is safe and realistic.

• Communicate clearly:

  “[R-WI] 231, deploying spikes ahead at [intersection/street].”

Important Reminders

• Officer and civilian safety comes first.

• Do not escalate a pursuit if it endangers lives unnecessarily.

• Reckless pursuit behavior may result in LEO certification suspension.

• Keep radio traffic professional:

  • No yelling or off-topic chatter.

  • Use 10-codes and clear, concise language.

Pursuit Codes Quick Reference