Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) Law Enforcement Driver Practice Test

What should decisions on when to pursue be based on?

1. Agency policy and public opinion

2. Driver experience and vehicle performance

3. Weather conditions and road surface

4. High-speed chase guidelines

The correct answer is: Agency policy and public opinion

The foundation for making decisions regarding when to initiate a pursuit is agency policy and public opinion. Agency policies typically provide specific guidelines that form the framework for law enforcement actions, including pursuits, ensuring that officers adhere to established standards. This policy-based approach takes into account factors such as safety, the severity of the crime, and potential risks to the public. Additionally, public opinion plays a crucial role as it reflects community attitudes toward police actions. When pursuits are conducted under the guidelines established by an agency, they align with what the community expects and accepts, which can influence overall trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the public. Balancing these elements helps ensure that pursuits are justified and appropriate, minimizing unnecessary risks to both officers and civilians. While driver experience and vehicle performance, weather conditions and road surface, and high-speed chase guidelines are important considerations in the context of pursuing, the overarching framework that guides these actions is grounded in agency policy and the expectations of the community. This combined approach seeks to protect both the public and officers by adhering to established practices.