When and under what circumstances police officers are to pursue suspects, either on foot or by car, is another important managerial concern. The decision to pursue a suspect requires that an officer balance the risks involved to the officer, to the person being pursued, and to others who might become involved. The police rationale for pursuits is that (1) the person has violated the law, (2) the person may be guilty of a serious crime and/or dangerous to the public, and (3) not to pursue will encourage others to run away to avoid the police. The fourth reason not often mentioned is that pursuits are exciting, even fun, for some officers.

For this assignment you are to develop an automobile and foot pursuit policy for a police department. Explain why you would have such a policy.

For example:

Foot pursuit policy step 1: police may pursue a subject involved with a felony, a Class A misdemeanor or a traffic offense that endangers the safety of others. Or if a person poses an "obvious physical threat to any person."