What is The Florida Police Pursuit Policy?

Author:

Sade Troy

Updated:

The police pursuit policy in Florida varies by jurisdiction, but some common principles guide these policies. The primary concern is always the safety of the public, law enforcement officers, and even the suspects involved in the pursuit.

For instance, the Orlando Police Department’s policy states that officers must make every reasonable effort to apprehend fleeing violators using all available vehicle apprehension techniques. However, they must always consider the safety of the public and the hazards of a vehicle pursuit. The decision to initiate a pursuit must be based on the officer’s conclusion that the immediate danger to the public created by the pursuit is less than the immediate or potential danger to the public should the suspect remain at large.

Besides, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has a policy that includes a set of Vehicle Pursuit Safety Factors to assist in evaluating the reasonableness of the decision to initiate and/or continue a vehicle pursuit.

The Florida Highway Patrol Policy Manual also provides guidelines for pursuit driving that aim to contribute to public safety and facilitate the apprehension of criminal offenders. Members are authorized to pursue suspects they reasonably believe have committed a felony offense.

In Volusia County, the Sheriff’s Office focuses on felonies and other violent offenses when initiating high-speed chases and tends not to pursue pursuits for minor offenses, such as traffic violations.

In Orlando, under a strict policy limiting police pursuits, police can only chase someone suspected of a violent forcible felony, such as murder, armed robbery, and armed sexual assault.

These policies are subject to change and may be updated or modified based on various factors, including changes in law, technology, and societal expectations. Therefore, for the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s recommended to check with the specific law enforcement agency.