Pasadena PD Updates Vehicle Pursuit Guidelines After Independent Auditor’s Findings

Pasadena Police Car (Photo – pasadenapoa.com)

In a new report released on Friday, Dec. 19, the Pasadena Police Department (PPD) announced updates to its Vehicle Pursuit Policy, introducing measures designed to enhance officer safety, public safety, and accountability.

By News Desk

The revised policy comes in response to the findings of a Review of Vehicle Pursuit Incidents conducted by Independent Police Auditor (IPA) Teresa Magula. The review highlighted areas where the department’s handling of high-speed pursuits could be improved, specifically around officer discretion, use of force, and pursuit termination.

Key Findings from the IPA Review

The updated pursuit policy reflects several key recommendations made by IPA Magula, based on her assessment of vehicle pursuit incidents over the past year. Magula’s report noted that while most pursuits were handled appropriately, there were areas where greater clarity and structure were needed—particularly concerning decision-making during high-speed chases and the use of force.

Magula emphasized the importance of consistent, clear decision-making and recommended that the department adopt more defined guidelines to help officers balance the need for apprehension with the risks to public safety. The new policy addresses these concerns by offering detailed guidelines for when pursuits should be initiated, how they should be managed, and when they should be terminated.

Key Updates in the Revised Policy

The revised Vehicle Pursuit Policy introduces several critical updates aimed at improving safety and decision-making:

• Risk Assessment and Decision-Making:
  Officers are now required to assess key factors, including the seriousness of the crime, vehicle speed, weather and road conditions, and their own capabilities, before initiating or continuing a pursuit. This ensures that pursuits are conducted only when the need to apprehend a suspect outweighs the potential risks to public safety.
• Clear Tactical Interventions:
  The new policy introduces several pursuit intervention techniques such as the Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT), tire deflation devices, and blocking maneuvers. These tactics are designed to bring a fleeing vehicle to a stop with minimal risk, but only after a careful evaluation of the situation.
• Defined Pursuit Categories:
  The policy establishes a structured system of pursuit categories, including Pursuit, Tracking, Intervene, and Cancel. These categories will help officers and supervisors make informed decisions at each stage of the pursuit.
• Supervisory Oversight:
  Supervisors now have expanded responsibilities to ensure that only necessary units are involved in a pursuit and that safety is prioritized at all times. Supervisors are also empowered to cancel pursuits if the risk outweighs the benefits, based on the factors outlined in the policy.

Training and Officer Preparedness

To ensure effective implementation of the new policy, the department is committing to ongoing training for officers, supervisors, and dispatchers. This will include both classroom instruction and scenario-based exercises.

• Annual Training:
  Officers will undergo annual training to stay up-to-date on the latest practices and policy updates. Training will focus on decision-making during pursuits, as well as tactical and safety measures.

Accountability and Post-Pursuit Review

In line with IPA’s recommendations, the updated policy places a strong emphasis on accountability. Every pursuit will now require a detailed post-pursuit report, covering the circumstances, tactics used, and any injuries or damages. These reports will be reviewed by the Chief of Police to ensure compliance with department policy and identify any areas for improvement.

• Post-Pursuit Reviews:
  The Chief of Police will conduct a review after each pursuit to verify that all procedures were followed. If any aspects of the pursuit fall outside policy, officers will receive feedback, counseling, or additional training.
• State Reporting:
  The Pasadena Police Department will continue to comply with state requirements by submitting an Allied Agency Vehicle Pursuit Report to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) within 30 days of any pursuit.

Public Safety Focus

Ultimately, the updated Vehicle Pursuit Policy underscores the department’s commitment to public safety. By integrating the IPA’s feedback, the department aims to ensure that vehicle pursuits are conducted only when absolutely necessary, with an emphasis on minimizing risks to officers and the public.

Conclusion

The Pasadena Police Department’s revised Vehicle Pursuit Policy represents a significant step toward greater accountability and safety. With clearer guidelines, improved training, and a focus on risk management, the department is committed to ensuring that vehicle pursuits are conducted responsibly, balancing the need to apprehend suspects with the safety of the community.

You can access the full report at the IPA Recommendations Tracker webpage. City staff are currently working to update the webpage to reflect these recommendations and responses.