7. MOTORCYCLES – Motorcycle officers will not participate in pursuits due to the extreme hazards to the officers.
8. NON-PURSUIT RATED PICK-UP TRUCKS AND SUVs – Members operating non-pursuit rated pick-up trucks and SUVs shall not participate in pursuits, unless he/she reasonably believes the suspect poses an immediate threat. However, when a marked pursuit rated vehicle becomes available to take over the pursuit, the member operating the non-pursuit rated pick-up truck or SUV shall assume the role of back-up unit. Upon the arrival of a second marked pursuit rated unit, the member operating the non-pursuit rated pick-up truck or SUV shall terminate their participation in the pursuit.
9. LIMITED ACCESS, MULTI-LANE, AND ONE-WAY ROADWAYS – Members shall not drive on the wrong side of the roadway or in the wrong direction to overtake or pursue a violator.
10. TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES – Members shall come to a complete stop before proceeding through a stop sign or a red traffic control signal. Members shall make use of all available warning devices to alert other motorists and pedestrians.
11. EMERGENCY ROADBLOCKS – The use of a partial or complete roadblock must be authorized by a supervisor and can be used only as a last resort when deadly force is justified. The roadblock must be clearly visible and provide adequate warning to allow vehicles to come to a safe stop. (Refer to FHP policy 17.23 and the Emergency Roadblock Procedures Guide – HSMV 60405).
12. ROLLING ROADBLOCKS – The use of a rolling roadblock is authorized. However, whenever practicable, members should obtain supervisory approval prior to initiating a rolling roadblock.
13. AERIAL ASSISTANCE – Aerial assistance will be used, if available.
14. Shooting from or at a moving vehicle during pursuits:
Members shall not shoot from or at a moving vehicle, except as a last resort to prevent imminent death or serious physical injury to the officer or another person. Firearms may be used only under circumstances that provide a high probability of striking the intended objective and without causing harm to innocent persons.
15. Pursuit Termination Devices (PTDs)
Members shall not deploy PTDs unless they have successfully completed Florida Highway Patrol training on the proper deployment procedures.
- a. PTDs may be utilized to terminate a pursuit or in non-pursuit situations, when a driver refuses to stop.
POLICY 17.05-9
