Pursuit

Policy: Pursuit

Author: Chief Joseph M. Hallman

WILEAG Standard: 6.1.4

Issue Date: April 8, 2013

Reviewed Date: April 3, 2026

Revised Date: April 3, 2026

Purpose:

Vehicle pursuits expose innocent citizens, law enforcement officers and fleeing violators to the risk of serious injury or death. The primary purpose of this policy is to provide University Police officers with guidance in balancing the safety of the public and themselves against law enforcement's duty to apprehend violators of the law. (Wis. Stat. §346.03(6); Wis. Code LES §3.07) (6.1.4)

Another purpose of this policy is to minimize the potential for pursuit-related crashes.

Vehicle-pursuits require officers to exhibit a high degree of common sense and sound judgment. Officers must not forget that the immediate apprehension of a suspect is generally not more important than the safety of the public and pursuing officers.

Policy:

Deciding whether to pursue a motor vehicle is a critical decision that must be made quickly and under difficult and unpredictable circumstances. An Officer must constantly evaluate the current situation and preceding events. (6.4.4.1)  In recognizing the risk to public safety created by vehicle pursuits, no officer or supervisor shall be criticized or disciplined for deciding not to engage in a vehicle pursuit due to the risk involved. This includes circumstances where department policy would permit the initiation or continuation of the pursuit. It is recognized that vehicle pursuits are not always predictable and decisions made pursuant to this policy will be evaluated according to the totality of the circumstances reasonably available at the time of the pursuit.

UW-Platteville Police officers must remember that the most important factors to the successful conclusion of a pursuit are proper self-discipline and sound professional judgment. UW-Platteville Police officers’ conduct during the course of a pursuit must be objectively reasonable; that is, what a reasonable officer would do under the circumstances. An individual's unreasonable desire to apprehend a fleeing suspect at all costs has no place in professional law enforcement.

Definitions:

1. Blocking or vehicle intercept- a slow-speed coordinated maneuver where two or more law enforcement vehicles simultaneously intercept and block the movement of a suspect vehicle, the driver of which may be unaware of the impending enforcement stop. The goal is containment and preventing a pursuit. Blocking is not a moving or stationary road block.
2. Boxing-in- a tactic designed to stop a violator's vehicle by surrounding it with law enforcement vehicles and then slowing all vehicles to a stop.
3. Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT)- a low-speed maneuver intended to terminate the pursuit by causing the violator's vehicle to spin out and come to a stop.
4. Ramming- the deliberate act of impacting a violator's vehicle with another vehicle to functionally damage or otherwise force the violator's vehicle to stop.
5. Roadblocks- a tactic designed to stop a violator's vehicle by intentionally placing a vehicle or other immovable object in the path of the violator's vehicle.
6. Tire deflation device, spikes or tack strips- a device that extends across the roadway and is designed to puncture the tires of the pursued vehicle.
7. Vehicle pursuit- an event involving one or more peace officers attempting to apprehend a suspect who is attempting to avoid arrest while operating a motor vehicle by using high speed or other evasive tactics, such as increasing the speed of the vehicle, extinguishing the lights of the vehicle, disregarding traffic warning signs, stop signs, red lights, driving off a roadway, turning suddenly or driving in a legal manner but willfully failing to yield to an officer's signal to stop. (Wis. Stat: §85.07(8)(a.))

Procedures:

1. The University Police Department adopts the Pursuit Continuum.  This system is designed to define the amount of force authorized when a suspect refuses to stop for the officer.  The Pursuit Continuum is designed to provide the officer with tools to select the most appropriate pursuit level of force for a specific set of environmental conditions, the severity of the alleged offense and necessity of pursuing the vehicle.  Each officer retains the privilege to use force, including deadly force, for the purposes of self-defense, and defense of others, when appropriate.  Appendix A of this policy contains the Pursuit Continuum.
   1. Level 1 – Presence: may be used by all officers for crimes or other behavior involving actions resulting in death or great bodily harm and /or the threat of these actions OR if the subject is likely to cause injury or death to a person if allowed to escape.  This level allows trailing, offset pursuit position and reduced interval.  Two additional goals of continued police presence could include the following:
      1. Warning the public of the danger presented by the suspect vehicle.
      2. Rendering aid to occupants of the pursued vehicle.

Some examples of actions that would allow the continued use of presence in this continuum are as follows:

• murder or attempted murder
• kidnapping/missing person with endangered status
• armed robbery (threat or actual use of a weapon)
• violent in-progress felonies or the credible threat of violence to the public
• extremely reckless driving not related to an attempt to flee
• a very recent or imminent suicide attempt
  2. Level 2 – Tire Deflation Devices: will only be deployed at the direction of the pursuit commander for Agency pursuits or when a pursuit initiated by an outside Law Enforcement Agency is likely to enter the Campus unless the vehicle type is that which discourages use Tire Deflation Devices may be used at this level and any higher level.
  3. Level 3 - Induce to Stop: tactics will only be deployed at the direction of the pursuit commander. This level allows channeling, moving roadblocks, roadblocks with escape route, and precision immobilization technique (P.I.T.).  In addition, this level will only be attempted when lower levels of force have failed, are not possible or not feasible under the existing conditions.
  4. Level 4 –Force to Stop (Deadly Force): This level is deadly force and the officer must be able to justify the use of deadly force. This level will only be deployed at the direction of the pursuit commander. Environmental conditions are of secondary importance to the seriousness of the eluder’s action. Precision immobilization technique (P.I.T.) and roadblocks with no escape route are authorized at this level. In addition, this level will only be attempted when lower levels of force have failed, are not possible or not feasible under the existing conditions.
  5. Level 5 – Firearms and Ramming (Deadly Force): This level involves the anticipated or otherwise planned use of the deadly force of firearms and/or ramming to stop a suspect vehicle.  This level will only be deployed at the direction of the pursuit supervisor.  A further tactic is using a police vehicle to intentionally strike the suspect vehicle in an attempt to disable it.  Since this level involves the use of deadly force both the officer conducting the tactics and the pursuit supervisor authorizing the tactics must be able to justify the use of deadly force. This level will only be utilized when lower levels of force have failed, are not possible or not feasible under the existing conditions.

2. Officer’s Responsibilities: It is the policy of this department that a vehicle pursuit shall be conducted with the visible signal of at least one flashing, oscillating or rotating red light, or a blue and red light, and also an audible signal by means of a siren or exhaust whistle activated on an authorized emergency vehicle. (Wis. Stat. §346.03(3))
3. The following policy is established to provide officers with guidelines for driving with due regard and caution for the safety of all persons using the highway. (Wis. Stat. §346.03(5)).
   1. When to initiate a pursuit:  UW-Platteville Police officers are authorized to initiate a pursuit when it is reasonable to believe that a suspect is attempting to evade arrest or detention by fleeing in a vehicle that has been given a signal to stop by a peace officer. (Wis. Stat. §346.03; Wis. Admin. Code LES §3.07(1)(a)) (6.1.4.2)
      1. The following factors individually and collectively shall be considered in deciding whether to initiate or continue a pursuit (Wis. Stat. §346:03(6)):
         1. The seriousness of the known or reasonably suspected crime and its relationship to community safety.  (Reference Appendix B)
         2. Unmarked squad cars shall not actively participate in a pursuit except in an extreme emergency.    In addition, these police vehicles can actively participate in the pursuit only until a marked squad car can join and take over the active pursuit.  Officers operating these vehicles may assist in a pursuit by positioning themselves for surveillance of the suspects if the fleeing vehicle is successfully stopped. (6.1.4.3)
         3. The importance of protecting the public and balancing the known or reasonably suspected offense and the apparent need for immediate capture against the risks to officers, innocent motorists and others.
         4. The apparent nature of the fleeing suspect (e.g., whether the suspect represents a serious threat to public safety).
         5. The identity of the suspect has been verified and there is comparatively minimal risk in allowing the suspect to be apprehended at a later time.
         6. The safety of the public in the area of the pursuit, including the type of area, time of day, the amount of vehicular and pedestrian traffic (e.g., school zones) and the speed of the pursuit relative to these factors.
         7. The pursuing officer's familiarity with the area of the pursuit, the quality of communication between the pursuing units and the dispatcher/supervisor, and the driving capabilities of the pursuing officers under the conditions of the pursuit.
         8. The weather, traffic and road conditions that unreasonably increase the danger of the pursuit when weighed against the risks resulting from the suspect's escape.
         9. The performance capabilities of the vehicles used in the pursuit in relation to the speed and other conditions of the pursuit.
         10. Vehicle speeds.
         11. Other persons in or on the pursued vehicle (e.g., passengers, co-offenders and hostages).
         12. The availability of other resources, such as aircraft assistance/drones.
         13. The officer’s squad is carrying passengers other than on-duty officers.  Pursuits should not be undertaken with a prisoner in the pursuit vehicle unless exigent circumstances exist, and then only after the need to apprehend the suspect is weighed against the safety of the prisoner in transport. A unit containing more than a single prisoner should not participate in a pursuit.
   2. When to terminate a pursuit: Pursuits should be discontinued whenever the totality of objective circumstances known or which reasonably ought to be known to the officer or supervisor during the pursuit indicates that the present risk of continuing the pursuit reasonably appears to outweigh the risk resulting from the suspect's escape (Wis. Admin. Code LES §3.07(1)(c)).  Operating an emergency vehicle in a pursuit with emergency lights and siren does not relieve the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle of the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and does not protect the driver from the consequences of reckless disregard for the safety of others. (Wis. Stat. §346.03(5)). 
      1. The above factors on when to initiate a pursuit are expressly included herein and will apply equally to the decision to discontinue as well as the decision to initiate a pursuit. Officers and supervisors must objectively and continuously weigh the seriousness of the offense against the potential danger to innocent motorists, themselves and the public when electing to continue a pursuit. In the context of this policy, the term "terminate" shall be construed to mean to discontinue or to stop chasing the fleeing vehicle. 
      2. In addition to the factors listed above, the following factors should be considered when deciding whether to terminate a pursuit (6.1.4.5):
         1. The distance between the pursuing officers and the fleeing vehicle is so great that further pursuit would be futile or require the pursuit to continue for an unreasonable time or distance.
         2. The pursued vehicle's location is no longer definitely known.
         3. The officer's pursuit vehicle sustains damage or a mechanical failure that renders it unsafe to drive.
         4. The pursuit vehicle has an emergency equipment failure that causes the vehicle to no longer qualify for use in emergency operations.  (Wis. Stat. §346.03(3)).
         5. Extended pursuits of violators for misdemeanors not involving abuse or risk of serious harm (independent of the pursuit) are discouraged.
         6. The hazards to uninvolved bystanders or motorists.
         7. When the identity of the offender is known and it does not reasonably appear that the need for immediate capture outweighs the risks associated with continuing the pursuit, officers should strongly consider discontinuing the pursuit and apprehending the offender at a later time. (Wis. Stat. §346.175(3)(a))
         8. When directed to terminate the pursuit by a supervisor.
         9. When it is necessary to stop to render aid to an injured person and no other officer is available to do so.  (Wis. Admin. Code LES §3.07(1)(c)5)
   3. How to terminate a pursuit:
      1. Communicate intent to reduce speed
      2. Turn off all emergency equipment (lights & siren)
      3. Confirm termination with dispatch & give location
      4. Pull over & stop for a brief period
      5. Drive in the direction of the fleeing suspect (with camera still recording if applicable) to ensure fleeing suspect did not cause an accident.
   4. Speed Limits: The speed of a pursuit is a factor that should be evaluated on a continuing basis by the officer and supervisor. Vehicle speeds shall be taken into consideration to prevent endangering public safety, officer safety and the safety of the occupants of the fleeing vehicle. (Wis. Stat. §346.03(6))
      1. Should high vehicle speeds be reached during a pursuit, officers and supervisors shall also consider these factors when determining the reasonableness of the speed of the pursuit.
         1. Pursuit speeds have become unreasonably unsafe for the surrounding conditions.
         2. Pursuit speeds have exceeded the driving ability of the officer.
         3. Pursuit speeds are beyond the capabilities of the pursuit vehicle, thus making its operation unsafe.
4. Pursuit Units: Pursuit units should be limited to three vehicles. However, the number of units involved will vary with the circumstances.  An officer or supervisor may request additional units to join a pursuit if, after assessing the factors outlined above, it appears that the number of officers involved would be insufficient to safely arrest the suspect. All other officers shall stay out of the pursuit but should remain alert to its progress and location. Any officer who drops out of a pursuit may then, if necessary, proceed to the termination point at legal speeds, following the appropriate rules of the road. Distinctively marked patrol vehicles should replace unmarked vehicles involved in a pursuit whenever practicable.
   1. Vehicles without emergency equipment
      1. Vehicles not equipped with a red or blue emergency light and siren are prohibited from initiating or joining in any pursuit. Officers in such vehicles may provide support to pursuing units as long as the vehicle is operated in compliance with all traffic laws.
   2. Primary Unit Responsibilities: The initial pursuing officer will be designated as the primary pursuit unit and will be responsible for the conduct of the pursuit unless it is unable to remain reasonably close enough to the violator's vehicle. The primary responsibility of the officer initiating the pursuit is the apprehension of the suspect without unreasonable danger to him/herself or other persons. 
      1. The primary unit should notify the Communications Center, commencing with a request for priority radio traffic, that a vehicle pursuit has been initiated, and as soon as practicable, provide information including, but not limited to:
         1. The reason for the pursuit.
         2. The location and direction of travel.
         3. The speed of the fleeing vehicle.
         4. The description of the fleeing vehicle and license number, if known.
         5. The number of occupants.
         6. The identity or description of the known occupants.
         7. The weather, road and traffic conditions.
         8. The identity of other agencies involved in the pursuit.
         9. Information concerning the use of firearms, threat of force, injuries, hostages or other unusual hazards.
      2. Unless relieved by a supervisor or secondary unit, the officer in the primary unit shall be responsible for broadcasting the progress of the pursuit. Unless circumstances reasonably indicate otherwise, the primary unit should relinquish the responsibility of broadcasting the progress of the pursuit to a secondary unit or aircraft joining the pursuit to minimize distractions and allow the primary unit to concentrate foremost on safe pursuit tactics.
   3. Second Unit Responsibilities:  The second officer in the pursuit is responsible for (6.1.4.2):
      1. Immediately notifying the dispatcher of his/her entry into the pursuit.
      2. Remaining at a safe distance behind the primary unit unless directed to assume the role of primary officer, or if the primary unit is unable to continue the pursuit.
      3. Broadcasting the progress of the pursuit unless the situation indicates otherwise.
      4. Serving as backup to the primary unit once the subject has been stopped.
   4. Pursuit Driving Tactics: The decision to use specific driving tactics requires the same assessment of considerations outlined in the factors to be considered concerning pursuit initiation and termination. The following are tactics for units involved in the pursuit:
      1. Officers, considering their driving skills and vehicle performance capabilities, will space themselves from other involved vehicles such that they are able to see and avoid hazards or react safely to maneuvers by the fleeing vehicle.
      2. Officers may proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation. (Wis. Stat §346.03(2)(a))
      3. Because intersections can present increased risks, the following tactics should be considered:
         1. Available units not directly involved in the pursuit may proceed safely to controlled intersections ahead of the pursuit in an effort to warn cross traffic.
         2. Pursuing units shall exercise due caution and slow down as may be necessary for safe operation when proceeding through controlled intersections.
      4. As a general rule, officers should not pursue a vehicle driving the wrong way on a roadway, highway or freeway. In the event the pursued vehicle does so, the following tactics should be considered:
         1. Requesting assistance from an available air unit.
         2. Maintaining visual contact with the pursued vehicle by   paralleling on the correct side of the roadway.
         3. Requesting other units to observe exits available to the suspect.
      5. Notifying the Wisconsin State Patrol or other law enforcement agency if it appears the pursuit may enter their jurisdiction.
      6. Officers involved in a pursuit should not attempt to pass other units unless the situation indicates otherwise or they are requested to do so by the primary unit and a clear understanding of the maneuver process exists between the involved officers.
   5. Tactics/ Procedures for Units Not Involved in the Pursuit: There should be no paralleling of the pursuit route. Officers are authorized to use emergency equipment at intersections along the pursuit path to clear intersections of vehicular and pedestrian traffic to protect the public. Officers should remain in their assigned area and should not become involved with the pursuit unless directed otherwise by a supervisor.
      1. Non-pursuing personnel needed at the termination of the pursuit should respond in a non-emergency manner, observing the rules of the road.
      2. The primary unit, second, and third units should be the only units operating under emergency conditions (emergency lights and siren) unless other units are assigned to the pursuit.
   6. Pursuit Trailing: In the event that the Initiating unit from this agency relinquishes control of the pursuit to another unit or jurisdiction, that initiating unit may, with permission of a supervisor, trail the pursuit to the termination point in order to provide information and assistance for the arrest of the suspect.
      1. The term "trail" means to follow the path of the pursuit at a safe speed, while obeying all traffic laws and without activating emergency equipment. If the pursuit is at a slow rate of speed, the trailing unit will maintain sufficient distance from the pursuit units to clearly indicate an absence of participation in the pursuit.
   7. Aircraft Assistance: When available, aircraft assistance should be requested. Once the air unit has established visual contact with the pursued vehicle, it should assume control over the pursuit. The primary and secondary ground units should consider whether the participation of an aircraft warrants their continued involvement in the pursuit.
      1. The air unit should coordinate the activities of resources on the ground, report progress of the pursuit and provide officers and supervisors with details of upcoming traffic congestion, road hazards or other pertinent information to evaluate whether to continue the pursuit. If ground units are not within visual contact and the air unit determines that it is unsafe to continue the pursuit, the air unit should recommend terminating the pursuit.
5. Supervisory Control and Responsibilities: It is the policy of this department that available supervisory and management control will be exercised over all vehicle pursuits involving officers from this department, when available to do so. (6.1.4.2)
   1. If a University Police Department Supervisor is on-duty or when he/she has the ability to take command, he/she will be responsible for the following:
      1. Upon becoming aware of a pursuit, immediately notifying involved those involved in the pursuit and the Communications Center of supervisory presence and ascertaining all reasonably available information to continuously assess the situation and risk factors associated with the pursuit in order to ensure that the pursuit is conducted within established Department guidelines.
      2. Engaging in the pursuit, when appropriate, to provide on-scene supervision.
      3. Exercising management and control of the pursuit even if not engaged in it.
      4. Ensuring that no more than the number of required law enforcement units needed are involved in the pursuit under the guidelines set forth in this policy.
      5. Directing that the pursuit be terminated if, in his/her judgment, it is not justified to continue the pursuit under the guidelines of this policy.
      6. Ensuring that aircraft assistance is requested, if available.
      7. Ensuring that the proper radio channel is being used.
      8. Ensuring the notification and/or coordination of outside agencies if the pursuit either leaves or is likely to leave the jurisdiction of this agency.
      9. Control and manage UW-Platteville Police Department units when a pursuit enters another jurisdiction.
      10. Preparing a post-pursuit critique and analysis of the pursuit for training purposes.
6. Communications: If the pursuit is confined within the city limits, radio communications will be conducted on the primary “Campus” channel unless instructed otherwise by a supervisor or communications dispatcher.  If the pursuit leaves the jurisdiction of this department or such is imminent, involved units should, whenever available, switch radio communications to an emergency channel most accessible by participating agencies and units. (6.1.4.2)
7. Loss of Pursued Vehicle: When the pursued vehicle is lost, the primary unit should broadcast pertinent information to assist other units in locating the vehicle.
   1. The primary unit will be responsible for coordinating any further search for either the pursued vehicle or suspects fleeing on foot.
8. Interjurisdictional Considerations: When a pursuit enters another agency's jurisdiction, the primary officer or Supervisor, taking into consideration distance traveled unfamiliarity with the area and other pertinent facts, should determine whether to request the other agency to assume the pursuit. Unless entry into another jurisdiction is expected to be brief, it is generally recommended that the primary officer or Supervisor ensure that notification is provided to each outside jurisdiction into which the pursuit is reasonably expected to enter, regardless of whether such jurisdiction is expected to assist. (6.1.4.6)
   1. Assumption of Pursuit by Another Agency: UW-Platteville Police Department officers will discontinue the pursuit when another agency has assumed the pursuit, unless the continued assistance of the UW-Platteville Police Department officer is requested by the agency assuming the pursuit.
   2. Upon discontinuing the pursuit, the primary unit may proceed upon request to the termination point to assist in the investigation. The officer should coordinate with the agency managing the termination point to determine the officer's need to respond or otherwise assist in the investigation. The officer should obtain any information that is necessary for inclusion in any reports from the agency managing the termination point.
   3. The role and responsibilities of officers at the termination of a pursuit that was initiated by this department shall be coordinated with appropriate consideration of the units from the agency assuming the pursuit.
   4. Notification of a pursuit in progress should not be construed as a request to join the pursuit.  Requests to or from another agency to assume a pursuit should be specific. Because of communication limitations between local agencies, a request for another agency's assistance will mean that its personnel will assume responsibility for the pursuit. For the same reasons, when a pursuit leaves another jurisdiction and a request for assistance is made to this department, the other agency should relinquish control.
   5. Pursuits extending into this Jurisdiction:  The agency that initiates a pursuit shall be responsible for conducting the pursuit. Units from this department should not join a pursuit unless specifically requested to do so by the agency whose peace officers are in pursuit. The exception to this is when a single unit from the initiating agency is in pursuit. Under this circumstance, a unit from this department may join the pursuit until sufficient units from the initiating agency join the pursuit.
   6. When a request is made for this department to assist or take over a pursuit that has entered this jurisdiction, the supervisor and/or on-duty officer should consider these additional factors (6.1.4.6):
      1. Ability to maintain the pursuit
      2. Circumstances serious enough to continue the pursuit
      3. Adequate staffing to continue the pursuit
      4. The public's safety within this jurisdiction
      5. Safety of the pursuing officers
   7. As soon as practicable, a supervisor and/or on-duty officer should review a request for assistance from another agency.  The officer receiving the request, after consideration of the above factors, may decline to assist in or assume the other agency's pursuit.
   8. In the event that a pursuit from another agency terminates within this jurisdiction, officers shall notify the initiating agency of the termination of the pursuit, provide appropriate assistance to peace officers from the initiating and other involved agencies including, but not limited to, scene control, coordination and completion of supplemental reports and any other assistance requested or needed.

9. Pursuit Intervention: Pursuit intervention is an attempt to terminate the ability of a suspect to continue to flee in a motor vehicle through tactical application of technology, tire deflation devices, blocking, boxing-in, PIT, ramming, or roadblock procedures. (6.1.4.4)
   1. When Is Use Authorized: Use of pursuit intervention tactics should be employed only after approval of a supervisor, if and when a supervisor is available.  In deciding whether to use intervention tactics, officers should balance the risk of allowing the pursuit to continue with the potential hazards arising from the use of each tactic to the public, the officers and persons in or on the pursued vehicle. With this in mind, the decision to use any intervention tactic should be reasonable in light of the circumstances apparent to the officer at the time of the decision.
   2. Use of Firearms: The use of firearms to disable a pursued vehicle is not generally an effective tactic and involves all the dangers associated with discharging firearms. Officers should not utilize firearms during an ongoing pursuit unless the conditions and circumstances meet the requirements authorizing the use of deadly force. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any officer from using a firearm to stop a suspect from using a vehicle as a deadly weapon.
   3. Intervention Standards: Any pursuit intervention tactic, depending upon the conditions and circumstances under which it is used, may present dangers to the officers, the public or anyone in or on the vehicle being pursued. Certain applications of intervention tactics may be construed to be a use of deadly force and are subject to the requirements for such use.  Officers shall consider these facts and requirements prior to deciding how, when, where and if an intervention tactic should be employed.
      1. Blocking or vehicle intercept should only be considered in cases involving felony suspects or impaired drivers who pose a threat to public safety, and when officers reasonably believe that attempting a conventional enforcement stop will likely result in the driver attempting to flee in the vehicle. Because of the potential risk involved, this technique should only be employed by officers who have received training in such tactics and after giving consideration to the following:
         1. The need to immediately stop the suspect vehicle or prevent it from leaving substantially outweighs the risk of injury or death to occupants of the suspect vehicle, officers or other members of the public.
         2. All other reasonable intervention techniques have failed or reasonably appear ineffective.
         3. Employing the blocking maneuver does not unreasonably increase the risk to officer safety.
         4. The target vehicle is stopped or traveling at a low speed.
         5. At no time should civilian vehicles be used to deploy this technique.
      2. Only those Officers trained in the use of the PIT will be authorized to use this procedure and only upon consideration of the circumstances and conditions presented at the time, including the potential for injury to Officers, the public and occupants of the pursued vehicle.
      3. Ramming a fleeing vehicle should be done only after other reasonable tactical means at the officer's disposal have been exhausted. This tactic should be reserved for situations where there does not appear to be another reasonable alternative method. 
         1. When ramming is used as a means to stop a fleeing vehicle, the following factors should be present:
            1. The suspect is an actual or suspected felon who reasonably appears to represent a serious threat to the public if not apprehended.
            2. The suspect is driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other persons or is driving in a reckless and life-endangering manner. If there does not reasonably appear to be a present or immediately foreseeable serious threat to the public, the use of ramming is not authorized.
      4. As with all intervention techniques, pursuing officers should obtain supervisor approval, when a supervisor is available, before attempting to box in a suspect vehicle during a pursuit. The use of such a technique must be carefully coordinated with all involved units, taking into consideration the circumstances and conditions apparent at the time, as well as the potential risk of injury to officers, the public and occupants of the pursued vehicle.
      5. Tire deflation devices should be deployed only when it is reasonably apparent that only the pursued vehicle will be affected by their use. Prior to the deployment of spike strips, the officer shall notify pursuing units of the intent and location. Officers should carefully consider the limitations of such devices as well as the potential risk to officers, the public and occupants of the pursued vehicle. If the pursued vehicle is a motorcycle, a vehicle transporting hazardous materials or a school bus transporting children, officers and supervisors should weigh the potential consequences against the need to immediately stop the vehicle.
      6. Because roadblocks involve a potential for serious injury or death to occupants of the pursued vehicle if the suspect does not stop, the intentional placement of roadblocks in the direct path of a pursued vehicle is generally discouraged and should not be deployed without prior approval of a supervisor, and only then under extraordinary conditions when all other reasonable intervention techniques have failed or reasonably appear ineffective and the need to immediately stop the pursued vehicle substantially outweighs the risk of injury or death to occupants of the pursued vehicle, officers or other members of the public.
10. Capture of Suspects: Proper self-discipline and sound professional judgment are the keys to a successful conclusion of a pursuit and apprehension of evading suspects. Officers shall use only that amount of force that reasonably appears necessary under the circumstances to properly perform their lawful duties

11. Unless relieved by a supervisor, the primary officer should coordinate efforts to apprehend the suspect following the pursuit.  Officers should consider the safety of the public and the involved officers when formulating plans to contain and capture the suspect.

12.  Reporting and Review Requirements (6.1.4.7)
    1. All appropriate reports shall be completed to comply with local and state regulations. (Wis. Stat. §85.07(8)(b))
       1. The primary officer shall complete appropriate crime/arrest reports and notify the supervisor upon completion of the report
       2. The primary officer shall complete the appropriate pursuit report narrative.
    2. After first obtaining available information, the on-duty field supervisor shall promptly complete a Supervisor's Log or interoffice memorandum, briefly summarizing the pursuit to the Chief or the authorized designee. This memo should minimally contain the following information:
       1. Date and time of pursuit
       2. Length of pursuit in distance and time
       3. Involved units and officers
       4. Initial reason and circumstances surrounding the pursuit
       5. Starting and termination points
       6. Alleged offense, charges filed or disposition: arrest, citation or other release
       7. Arrestee information should be provided if applicable
       8. Injuries and/or property damage
       9. Medical treatment
       10. The outcome of the pursuit
       11. Name of supervisor handling or at the scene
       12. A preliminary determination that the pursuit appears to be in compliance with this policy or that additional review and/or follow-up is warranted.
    3. After receiving copies of reports, logs and other pertinent information, the Chief or the authorized designee shall conduct or assign the completion of a post-pursuit review as appropriate to the circumstances. (6.1.4.7)
    4. At least annually, but no later than June 30th of every even-numbered year, the Chief or the authorized designee shall direct a documented review and analysis of department vehicle pursuits to minimally include policy suitability, policy compliance, policy modification and training needs. (Wis. Stat. §346.03(6))
    5. The Chief or the authorized designee shall compile and report information on vehicle pursuits engaged in during the previous 12 months to the Wisconsin State Patrol/Department of Transportation via the TraCS Pursuit Reporting Form.  The report shall be filed no later than August 15th of each year and shall contain information on. (Wis. Stat. §85.07(8)(b)) (6.1.4.7)
       1. The circumstances of the vehicle pursuit, including the distance, location and maximum speed.
       2. The reasons for initiating the vehicle pursuit.
       3. The outcome of the vehicle pursuit, including the number of deaths or great bodily injuries and an estimate of the value of any property damage.
13. Regular and Periodic Pursuit Training:
    1. In addition to initial and supplementary training on pursuits, all certified sworn employees will participate, no less than biennially, in at least four hours of training addressing this policy, pursuit guidelines, driving techniques, new technology and the importance of vehicle safety and protecting the public at all times.
       1. Training will include recognition of the need to balance the known offense and the need for immediate capture against the risks to officers and others. At least four hours of the training curriculum will be based on the model standards promulgated by the Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) and shall be delivered by a LESB-certified Emergency Vehicle Operations and Control (EVOC) instructor. (Wis. Stat. §165.85(4); Wis. Admin. Code LES §3.07(4)). For purposes of LESB reporting obligations, the time period for annual training begins July 1st, and ends June 30th.
14. Policy Review
    1. Certified members of this department shall certify in writing that they have received, read and understand this policy initially and upon any amendments. (Wis. Stat. §346.03(6)