The Ohio Attorney General’s Advisory Group on Law Enforcement Vehicular Pursuits issued its recommendations in a 16-page report released on Nov. 3.
The report includes points to consider when initiating, continuing, and discontinuing vehicle pursuits to best ensure the safety of law enforcement and the public.
Since 2003, law enforcement agencies have been required to have a pursuit policy, but the policy details are left up to the individual departments.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine appointed the 13-member group — which included representatives from law enforcement, local government, and the public — to examine various law enforcement pursuit policies and to identify best practices to be used by agencies throughout Ohio.
“Law enforcement pursuits can be incredibly dangerous, not only to officers and those who flee, but also to other drivers and pedestrians who are innocent bystanders,” said Attorney General DeWine. “This group thoughtfully examined the issues officers face when confronted with a fleeing suspect and outlined the key points that they recommend all local law enforcement pursuit policies address. I hope this report will be useful to Ohio law enforcement in their work to protect citizens of this state.”
For five months, the group met periodically and reviewed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics, consulted the Ohio Revised Code, considered civil liability, examined pursuit policies, and discussed the details of pursuit dynamics.
Included in the report is a recommendation that some portion of future continuing professional training for peace officers and troopers be devoted to vehicle pursuit best practices and safe driving techniques.
In addition, group members suggested that a state database be created to collect submissions of vehicle pursuit information, which could be analyzed to further develop related best practices.
To read the report, visit the
Ohio Attorney General's website.