Effective Date: 10/4/00

Series: Law Enforcement and Security

Part 446: Law Enforcement

Chapter 18: Emergency Response and Pursuit Driving

Originating Office: Office of Managing Risk and Public Safety

18.1 Purpose. This chapter provides guidelines and minimum standards for the bureaus and offices concerning emergency response and pursuit driving situations.

18.2 Policy. It is the policy of the Department that all emergency response and pursuit driving situations be conducted in the safest possible manner. All law enforcement personnel are responsible for the safe operation of their vehicle during these times of extreme danger to themselves and the public.

18.3 Guidelines. The Department has been involved with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) since 1973 when the first drivers training program was created and made a part of the training curriculum. Therefore, the following guidelines will be adhered to:

A. All full time, seasonal or part-time law enforcement personnel shall be graduates of the FLETC drivers training program or a state or local drivers training program that contains the same principles and standards as the FLETC program.

B. All marked patrol vehicles utilized in routine law enforcement programs shall have the appropriate bureau or office decals clearly displayed. (See 446 DM 12.6)

C. All marked or unmarked patrol vehicles utilized in routine law enforcement programs shall have the appropriate emergency lighting specified in the state codes where the vehicle is normally operated. If this requirement is in conflict with the bureau or office standards, the state’s requirement which defines an emergency vehicle shall prevail.

D. All marked or unmarked patrol vehicles utilized in routine law enforcement programs shall have the appropriate audible bell, whistle or siren required by the state code to be classified as an emergency vehicle.

E. All law enforcement personnel shall activate the required audible device as well as the required emergency lights when involved in emergency responses and pursuit situations.

18.4 Responsibilities. It is the responsibility of the bureaus and offices within the Department to develop additional standards for their law enforcement personnel that cover emergency response and pursuit driving situations. No standard shall be implemented that is less restrictive than the standards stated in this chapter.

A. No Department employee shall be assigned to duties that could have them involved in emergency response or pursuit driving situations unless he or she has had the appropriate and approved driver training.

B. If a driving course other than the course or courses provided by the FLETC is selected, the selecting authority will notify the Director, Managing Risk and Public Safety (MRPS), in writing that the selected training course meets the standards and principles contained in the FLETC programs.

C. During emergency response or pursuit driving, the driver is responsible for adhering to the appropriate state laws, traffic codes or other ordinances which define the operation of an emergency vehicle.

10/4/00 #3343

Replaces 7/29/96 #446-4