Which individual has the power to terminate a police pursuit during an operation?

The correct answer is that a supervisor has the power to terminate a police pursuit during an operation. This authority stems from the supervisor's role in overseeing operations, ensuring that the pursuit aligns with departmental policies and practices, and assessing the risks involved. Supervisors are trained to evaluate the circumstances, such as the behavior of the suspect, traffic conditions, and the potential danger to the public, and can make informed decisions about whether continuing the pursuit is in the best interest of safety.

While officers on the scene are crucial to the pursuit and may have the tactical ability to manage the situation, they do not have the overarching authority to terminate operations without supervisory approval. Dispatchers play an important support role in communications but do not have the direct authority to make tactical decisions for the pursuit. Captains, while they hold a higher rank and may have the ability to oversee operations, typically delegate the immediate decision-making to supervisors on the ground during active pursuits. This structured chain of command ensures that decisions regarding pursuit are made based on a comprehensive assessment of the situation.