North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

If a violator exits a suspect vehicle and runs, should you pursue them?

1. Yes, you should pursue them immediately

2. No, you should not run after them

3. Only if they are carrying a weapon

4. Only if they are speeding away

The correct answer is: No, you should not run after them

The most effective approach in this scenario is to refrain from pursuing the individual immediately upon their exit from the suspect vehicle. This strategy is based on several important considerations for law enforcement safety and protocol. Firstly, chasing a fleeing individual can lead to a loss of control of the situation. The officer's first priority should be situational awareness, which includes assessing the overall environment and ensuring it is safe to engage. Pursuing someone who has exited a vehicle without proper evaluation can escalate the situation, potentially putting the officer at risk, especially if the individual is fleeing into a crowded or hazardous area. Secondly, law enforcement policy and training often emphasize the importance of maintaining a measured response. Officers are trained to avoid unnecessary physical confrontations that could result in injury to themselves, the suspect, or innocent bystanders. Unless there are compelling reasons to believe that the person poses an immediate threat or has committed a serious offense, a decision to pursue should be weighed carefully. Furthermore, the notion of prioritizing pursuit based solely on whether the suspect carries a weapon or is speeding does not take into account the broader context of the situation. Therefore, the choice to not run after the violator aligns with best practices that prioritize officer safety, strategic planning, and the appropriate use of force.