Who has the authority to call off a pursuit?

The authority to call off a pursuit typically resides with a supervisor. This position holds the responsibility of assessing the situation, including the risk to public safety, the need for the pursuit, and the potential benefits versus the dangers involved. Supervisors are trained to make decisions based on the overall tactics and policies of the department, considering factors like the nature of the offense, the environment, and the safety of the public and officers involved.

While any officer can recognize dangerous circumstances that might warrant a pursuit being called off, it is the supervisor’s role to implement strategic oversight in such scenarios. This ensures that decisions made are consistent with department policy and that the safety of all parties is prioritized. Dispatch officers may relay information and assist in coordinating pursuits, but the final judgment typically lies with the supervisors on the ground who have the most context about the unfolding situation. Department chiefs may set policies regarding pursuits but are generally not involved in real-time decision-making during individual pursuits.