An Examination of Data on Police Vehicle Pursuits

• In Event: Using Data and Coordinated Responses to Improve Policing

Abstract

Using data from the 2013 Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics (LEMAS) survey and other sources, this study examines the nature and prevalence of law enforcement vehicle pursuits nationwide. The number of pursuits initiated by local police departments, sheriffs' offices, and state police/highway patrol agencies are examined in relation to their written pursuit policies. Policies are classified according to whether they prohibit, discourage, or permit vehicle pursuits. Policies that permit vehicle pursuits are further distinguished by whether they are based on specific circumstances, officer discretion, or supervisory approval.

The types of written pursuit policies and the number of pursuits initiated are examined in relation to agency and jurisdictional characteristics. Issues related to the quality and availability of data on vehicle pursuits are also discussed. Existing data sources such as the LEMAS survey, the Pursuits database provided by LogIn and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and data published by law enforcement agencies themselves are discussed in terms of their utility, limitations, and potential for expansion.

Author

• Brian Reaves, Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice