In a police pursuit involving a speeder (radar, pacing), officers must follow established police department procedures to effectively manage the situation while prioritizing public safety. Below is an overview of the typical steps involved, which may vary from state to state and department:

Initiating the Pursuit:

   Identification of Offense: The pursuit typically commences when officers recognize a vehicle engaged in a significant violation, such as excessive speeding, which is often validated through speed measuring devices, such as radar, laser / lidar, pacing, timing.

   Decision to Pursue: Officers are required to promptly evaluate whether initiating a pursuit is justified, considering the severity of the offense and the associated risks, including the nature of the speeding (e.g., routine offense versus a suspect fleeing from a more serious crime).

Communication and Coordination:

   Notify Dispatch: Officers must immediately inform their dispatch center, providing relevant details about the vehicle (make, model, color) and its direction of travel. This facilitates a coordinated response and monitoring.

   Update Other Units: Dispatch communicates with additional units and agencies that may provide assistance or need to be informed of the pursuit, including updates on traffic conditions, hazards, and pursuit status.

Pursuit Procedures:

   Use of Lights and Sirens: Officers might engage emergency lights and sirens to alert other drivers and indicate that the vehicle should pull over. This also entails that pursuing officers operate their vehicles with the utmost regard for safety.

   Driving Tactics: Officers are trained to drive cautiously and comply with traffic laws as much as possible. They utilize defensive driving techniques and adjust their speed according to road conditions and traffic.

Ongoing Risk Assessment:

   Evaluate Risks Continuously: Officers are tasked with continuously assessing the risk level of the pursuit, taking into consideration factors such as traffic density, road conditions, and the behavior of the fleeing driver. If the pursuit becomes excessively dangerous, officers may opt to terminate it.

   Adjust Tactics as Needed: Depending on the circumstances, officers may employ specific tactics, such as setting up spike strips or utilizing tire deflation devices, to safely conclude the pursuit.

Termination of Pursuit:

   Decision to End: Pursuits may be called off if the risk to public safety escalates unacceptably, or if the whereabouts of the fleeing vehicle become unknown. This decision may be made by the pursuing officers or a supervising officer.

   Safe Disengagement: If the pursuit is terminated, officers must disengage safely in order to avoid creating further hazards.

Post Pursuit Actions:

   Reporting: Officers are responsible for completing a detailed report regarding the pursuit, outlining the rationale for initiation and termination, the speeds involved, any incidents or collisions, and the actions taken throughout the pursuit.

   Review: Departments often conduct post pursuit reviews to ensure adherence to protocols and identify areas for improvement, which aids in refining procedures and training initiatives.

Compliance:

   Adherence to Policies: All actions during the pursuit must comply with departmental policies and legal standards. Various agencies have specific protocols that guide the conduct and management of pursuits.

   Training and Accountability: Officers undergo training on pursuit procedures and are held accountable for their actions during a pursuit, ensuring alignment with safety and legal standards.