Police Pursuits: Legal Liability and Best Practices

Vehicular pursuits, long a commonplace practice for officers throughout the country, are some of the most dangerous activities in which officers engage.  In addition to the safety risks to officers, suspects, and innocent bystanders, these pursuits are also one of the highest liability activities that officers undertake.  This training will discuss the sources of liability in pursuits—and vehicle operations more generally—under the law and in the court of public opinion.

In this two-hour webinar, Attorney Matt Dolan will examine cautionary examples as well as emerging best practices models from law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. He will also review the sources of liability incurred by law enforcement agencies when engaging in pursuits of suspects, the importance of giving officers clear guidance for decision-making in the field, and the necessity of developing policies in light of local community priorities.

Topics covered will include:

• Considering the ethical and public safety implications of your pursuit policy and practices
• Creating policies that protect officers by giving them clear guidance in utilizing their discretion related to pursuits
• Recognizing the duty to train officers in pursuing suspects in keeping with agency policy
• Avoiding possible “liability gaps” between policy and practice related to pursuits
• Leveraging technology to minimize public safety risks in apprehending suspects