High-speed police pursuits are some of the most dangerous activities in modern law enforcement. They can happen in a flash: a suspect flees, an officer gives chase, and suddenly, everyone nearby is at risk. Over the years, courts, police departments, and researchers have worked to set clear, practical standards to keep the public—and officers—safe.
What Are the Recognized Standards?
Most law enforcement agencies have formal policies governing when officers can start, continue, or stop a high-speed chase. These policies are based on balancing two things: the need to catch a suspect and the risk that the chase poses to the public, officers, and even the suspect themselves. In plain English: just because a crime has been committed doesn’t mean a high-speed chase is always worth it.
Common factors agencies consider before and during a pursuit include:
- The seriousness of the crime: Chases are more likely to be justified if the suspect is believed to have committed a violent felony rather than a minor traffic offense. Pursuing someone over a broken taillight is viewed very differently than chasing a suspected armed robber (UCLA Police Department).
- Current road and weather conditions: Slick roads, heavy traffic, or crowded neighborhoods can make pursuits far more dangerous (Alternative Law Journal).
- Time of day and location: School zones, residential areas, or rush hour present greater risks to bystanders.
- Available alternatives: Can police identify the suspect another way? Is there a helicopter, or could they just track the vehicle later, rather than chasing now?
When Should Police Call Off a Pursuit?
One key standard recognized across the board is that officers—and especially their supervisors—need to be ready to call off a pursuit the moment the risks outweigh the potential benefits. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a best practice backed by research and often formalized in policy. In fact, some experts argue that no officer should ever be forced to continue a chase if they believe it’s becoming too dangerous (American Journal of Police).
Some widely accepted scenarios when a pursuit should be called off include:
- The identity of the suspect is known and they can be arrested later without a chase.
- The pursuit enters a densely populated area or a school zone, especially during busy times.
- Weather or road conditions turn hazardous.
- The pursued vehicle is driving so recklessly that continuing the chase would almost certainly lead to injury or death.
- The officer loses radio contact or situational awareness.
Research shows that most suspects actually slow down or stop once police back off, reducing the danger to everyone (FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin).
Why Does This Matter for Liability?
If a high-speed chase ends in a crash that injures or kills an innocent person, the police department and the officer may face lawsuits. Courts look at whether the officer followed department policy, had proper training, and made reasonable decisions based on the facts at hand (Marquette Law Review). Agencies that have clear, restrictive pursuit policies and that enforce them are more likely to avoid liability, while those that allow officers broad discretion without oversight are at greater risk (Seton Hall Law Review).
In summary: High-speed chases are sometimes necessary, but they are always dangerous. The gold standard isn’t “catch the bad guy at all costs”—it’s “keep the public safe, and only chase when it makes sense.” If you or someone you know has been impacted by a police pursuit, understanding these standards can be crucial in determining whether the officers acted appropriately.
For more detailed legal advice, or if you’ve been affected by a police pursuit, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced law firm that can help you navigate your options.
James E. Girards is a private pilot licensed to fly single- and multi-engine aircraft in both visual and instrument conditions. The Girards Law Firm specializes in severe injury and wrongful death cases, especially those that involve commercial plane crashes, birth injuries, brain damage, heart damage, spinal cord injuries or severe burns in Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Contact us at www.girardslaw.com by using the chat feature for more information.