Chase policy for the Lawrence police
When chasing a suspect, Lawrence police policy states:
• Police vehicles’ emergency lights and siren must be operating.
• Only the number of police cars reasonably necessary should be involved.
• A chase may be initiated when an officer believes a suspect presents a threat to the safety of others, or the need for apprehension outweighs the level of danger created by the suspect.
• At any time during a chase, an officer has the obligation to terminate it if safety conditions outweigh the need to chase.
• A chase will be terminated if the suspect’s identity has been determined, immediate apprehension isn’t necessary to protect the public or officers and apprehension at a later date is possible.
• When spike strips are deployed, the officer should seek protection away from any moving vehicles.