Police Department

The City of Oklahoma City

Procedure Number: 220.0 Effective Date: 6/2022

220.0 Police Vehicle Operations

The purpose of this procedure is to set forth guidelines for the operation of department-utilized vehicles to minimize
the risk of death, injury or property damage to police employees and residents.

In order to prevent collisions, injuries, and property damage, and serve as an example to the motoring public,
department-utilized vehicles will be operated in a safe and courteous manner. Employees must undergo vehicle
orientation with a certified LEDT instructor prior to driving any:

1. Pursuit rated sedan or utility vehicle;

2. Non-pursuit rated marked vehicle, including a police motorcycle or truck;
3. Armored vehicle;
4. Police van; or
5. Any vehicle used to haul a trailer.

Authorized exceptions to the orientation requirement include city employees or approved vendors as required for
vehicle maintenance, equipment outfitting and other official purposes.

Police vehicles, in motion, stopped or parked, must be in the control of the operator. Operators of police vehicles
must obey all provisions of the Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Code, Oklahoma City Ordinances, and Oklahoma City
Police Department directives and training.

In an emergency situation requiring the services of a police officer, the most important responsibility of the officer is
to arrive at the scene safely, in a timely manner and with minimal risk to the public and the officer. The
accomplishment of a mission is jeopardized if an officer is involved in a collision while operating a police vehicle.

Oklahoma State statutes require an officer to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and the use of
emergency lights and the audible siren/signal does not shield the officer from the consequences of operating a
vehicle with reckless disregard for the safety of others.

There are five classifications for driving which may be utilized by employees:

1. Non-emergency;
2. Code 3;
3. Catching up to a traffic violator or other subject/suspect;
4. Emergency transports and escorts; and
5. Pursuit driving.

Non-Emergency

Non-emergency designation indicates the call assignment or incident is not urgent and an immediate response is not
required. An officer assigned to this type of call or incident will respond without the use of emergency lights and
the audible siren/signal and shall abide by all traffic regulations.

Code 3 Response
The use of the emergency lights and the audible siren/signal shall be defined as Code 3. Officers must remember
they cannot rely exclusively on the emergency lights and audible siren/signal to clear traffic in the officer’s path.

A Code 3 response may be utilized under the following circumstances:

1. In an emergency situation where the prevention of bodily injury to a person may be accomplished by
the immediate presence of the responding officer;
2. When responding to a felony crime in progress where there is information the suspect(s) is/are in the
immediate vicinity of the crime; or
3. When responding to a vehicle pursuit, in accordance with the provisions set forth in Procedure 220.10.

Prior to responding Code 3, specific information must be provided to the officer that indicates the conditions listed
above exist. An officer shall not respond Code 3 to any other type of call, including a motor vehicle collision,
unless approved by a supervisor.

Code 3 Restrictions

When an officer exceeds the speed limit or violates any other traffic law while operating Code 3, they must be able
to articulate why such actions are reasonable in responding to the type of incident involved. The most important
aspect of operating the police vehicle is to get to the location of the incident safely, in a timely manner and with
minimal risk to the public and the officer involved.

When responding Code 3, officers shall not exceed the following speed restrictions:

1. When traveling on City streets, officers will not exceed the speed limit by more than 15 mph.
2. When traveling on interstates, divided highways or turnpikes, officers will not exceed the speed limit
by more than 25 mph.
3. When traveling through active school zones, officers will not exceed the speed limit.

The decision to exceed the Code 3 speed restrictions set forth in this directive will require strong justification, such
as a call or incident that may involve imminent loss of life or officer distress. The officer is not relieved of the duty
to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor is the officer shielded from the consequences of operating
the police vehicle with reckless disregard for the safety of others.

The speed limitations listed above do not apply to an officer directly involved in a pursuit or dignitary protection.

When an officer responds Code 3, the officer shall operate the police vehicle with due regard for the safety of
themselves and others and consider factors, including, but not limited to, those listed below when determining what
is reasonable in operating the police vehicle:

A. Seriousness of the call/incident based on the information available during the response;
B. Volume, type, speed and direction of vehicular traffic;
C. Nature of the area (e.g., residential, commercial, school zone, open highway or roadway elevation
changes);
D. Population density and volume of pedestrian traffic;
E. Environmental factors (such as weather and time of day);
F. Road conditions such as ice, construction, poor repair;
G. Intersections; and
H. Distance to incident.

Responding Code 3

When an officer determines a Code 3 response to a call or incident is appropriate, the officer will notify
Communications immediately. Officers do not need to notify Communications they are responding Code 3 to
“Active Threat” calls (as defined in Procedure 284) or other potential mass casualty events. A field supervisor may
change the Code 3 response at any time. Officers and dispatchers are required to respond in accordance with such
orders.

Communications will not assign an officer to a call or incident Code 3. The decision to respond Code 3 will be
made by the responding officer. No more than two police vehicles will respond Code 3 to any given situation,
unless approved by a field supervisor. All other units will respond in non-emergency mode.

When responding Code 3 where the use of audible siren/signal would alert a suspect and increase the risk of serious
bodily injury to a resident or officer, the officer may discontinue use of the audible siren/signal for a short duration
upon approaching the destination. It shall be the responsibility of the officer to articulate the facts that support the
decision to discontinue use of the audible siren/signal.

Catching Up to a Traffic Violator or Other Subject/Suspect

When an officer is trying to pace a motorist suspected of speeding and needs to establish the speed of the violator,
the officer may violate traffic laws or ordinances without using emergency lights and the audible siren/signal (Code
3) if this can be done safely. While operating a police vehicle in this manner, the officer must consider and evaluate
the criteria listed in Code 3 Restrictions, and any other relevant criteria, when determining the appropriate speed to
operate the police vehicle. If the emergency lights and the audible siren/signal are not used, residents are not
required to yield the right of way to the police vehicle. As soon as the officer has established a speeding violation
has occurred, the officer must utilize necessary emergency equipment to safely conduct the traffic stop.

When an officer witnesses a traffic violation and is trying to catch up to a traffic violator, and the officer will be
violating any traffic law or ordinance, the officer will ensure the emergency lights and the audible siren/signal (Code
3) are utilized. In this situation, the officer is not required to notify Communications they are operating Code 3,
unless a pursuit is initiated. An officer may exceed the speed restrictions listed under Code 3 Restrictions for a short
and reasonable period of time in order to safely catch up to the traffic violator.

When an officer has observed and is trying to catch up to a subject/suspect in a motor vehicle for other than traffic
charges, and the officer will be violating any traffic law or ordinance, the officer will ensure the emergency lights
and the audible siren/signal (Code 3) are utilized. In this situation the officer is required to advise Communications
they are operating Code 3. An officer may exceed the speed restrictions listed under Code 3 Restrictions, for a short
and reasonable period of time in order to safely catch up to the subject/suspect.

Prior to exceeding the speed restrictions to catch up to either a traffic violator or subject/suspect observed in a motor
vehicle, the officer must consider whether the increased danger to the public by the increased speed is outweighed
by the need to apprehend the subject/suspect, considering the offense the subject/suspect is suspected of committing.
If the officer determines the violator is stopping their vehicle in a location that is unsafe, the officer may disengage
the audible siren/signal and direct the violator to move to a safe location.

If the officer is trying to catch up to a traffic violator or other subject/suspect and the officer and the traffic violator
or subject/suspect are on an interstate or highway with no cross intersections and limited roadway access, the officer
is not required to utilize emergency lights and the audible siren/signal as long as the officer’s actions do not
endanger life or property and if the officer has probable cause to believe that:

A. Knowledge of the presence of the officer will cause the subject/suspect to:
1. Destroy or lose evidence of a suspected felony;
2. End a suspected ongoing felony before the officer has obtained sufficient evidence to establish
grounds for arrest; or
3. Evade apprehension or identification of the suspect or the vehicle of the suspect;
B. Because of traffic conditions, vehicles moving in response to the emergency lights and the audible
siren/signal may increase the potential for a collision.
Emergency Medical Transports and Escorts

In exceptional circumstances an officer may be confronted with a situation where a person is in need of immediate
emergency medical care to save their life. If an ambulance is needed for this person, but the arrival of the ambulance
is delayed, a supervisor may authorize the transportation of this person to the closest appropriate emergency medical
facility in a police vehicle, Code 3. If an emergency medical transport is approved by the officer’s supervisor, the
officer will notify Communications of the departure location and the emergency medical facility the person is being
transported to.

When an officer encounters a situation where a medical escort is necessary to save a life, an officer may escort a
private vehicle to the closest appropriate emergency medical facility, with supervisory approval. In the case of an
emergency medical escort, the following will apply:

A. Speed limits will be strictly observed;

B. A complete stop will be made prior to traversing an intersection against a traffic control device;
C. The driver of the private vehicle will be required to display emergency flashers and headlights;
D. The officer will advise the driver of the private vehicle of the above conditions prior to the escort; and
E. Notify Communications of the departure location and intended destination.

An officer directly involved in escorting a funeral, motorcade, parade or special event is required to utilize their
emergency lights at all times if traffic laws or ordinances are being violated. The use of the audible siren/signal will
be used at the discretion of the officer consistent with traffic conditions, route considerations and the event itself.

220.10 Pursuit Procedures

A pursuit is an active attempt by an officer in an authorized emergency vehicle to perform a vehicle stop, and the
operator of the suspect vehicle indicates by their action, intent to elude or evade apprehension. The officer must
reasonably believe the suspect(s) knows they were directed to stop, refused to stop, and were willfully fleeing in an
attempt to avoid capture.

Effort should be made to avoid pursuits due to the extreme danger present in such activity. Officers must balance
the need for immediate apprehension of the suspect with the need to protect the public from the danger caused by
the pursuit. All officers are reminded that their basic responsibility is to protect the public. When the danger of a
pursuit exceeds the value of an immediate apprehension, public safety shall be paramount and require alternative
methods of apprehension.

General Pursuit Prohibitions

Officers are prohibited from engaging in police vehicle pursuits in the following circumstances:

1. When a passenger in the police vehicle is not another officer;

2. When the police vehicle contains a prisoner;
3. When the officer is not the primary, secondary, or other authorized unit; and
4. When an officer is driving a department-utilized vehicle, on or off-duty, that is not pursuit-rated, to
include all police vans, trucks, motorcycles, authorized lease vehicles, private vehicles, and unmarked
sedans, except RAAID and CITCO vehicles.

Pursuits Involving Property Crimes and Traffic Offenses

Officers are authorized to engage in a vehicle pursuit of a subject in accordance with the provisions of this section
when an officer has reasonable suspicion to believe that both a crime has been committed and the person being
pursued committed the crime. Justification for engaging in a pursuit or deciding to continue a pursuit will be limited
to the facts known by the officer at the time the decision is being made. Information not established as fact at the
time the decision to pursue or to continue to pursue is being made cannot be considered in later determining whether
the pursuit was justified.
Officers will self-terminate pursuits involving property crimes or traffic offenses under the following circumstances:

1. When entering an active school zone;

2. When entering an active construction zone with workers present;
3. When adverse road conditions are present as a result of weather, poor repair or surface type;
4. When pedestrian traffic is present in the area;
5. When the identity of the violator is known;
6. When officers know of and have access to, or can later access, information from a GPS tracking device
on the suspect or the vehicle;
7. When the suspect’s driving behavior is such that it endangers the public or officer(s), to include:
a. Excessive speeds;
b. Disregard for traffic control devices at intersections;
c. Driving into the oncoming lanes of traffic; or
d. Driving off-road, when the risk of damage or injury exceeds the value of immediate
apprehension.

Continued pursuit of a suspect when any of the above-listed provisions are met will require strong justification and
the authorization of the managing supervisor. In these instances, the supervisor must be able to document specific
facts that show the decision to continue pursuing was objectively reasonable under the circumstances.

Officers will consider self-terminating a pursuit involving a property crime or traffic offense when the pursuit enters
a residential area where the speed limit is 25 mph or less. Officers must evaluate the unique characteristics of the
residential area (e.g., number of cars parked in the roadway, width of streets, density of traffic, number of traffic
control devices/signs) to determine if they can safely continue pursuit.

The provisions of this section do not preclude an officer from reengaging with a suspect when the conditions of this
section are no longer met, with supervisor approval.

Pursuits Involving Person Crimes and DUIs

Officers are authorized to engage in a vehicle pursuit of a subject in accordance with the provisions of this section
when the officer has reasonable suspicion to believe the subject committed, is committing, or has an active arrest
warrant for a person crime.

Officers are authorized to engage in a vehicle pursuit of a subject in accordance with the provisions of this section
when the officer has reasonable suspicion to believe the subject is under the influence of an intoxicating substance.

The decision to pursue in accordance with the provisions of this section shall be based solely on the facts known by
the officer at the time the decision to pursue is being made. Information not established as fact at the time the
decision to pursue or continue pursuit is made cannot be considered in later determining whether the pursuit was
justified.

The following offenses are not recognized as person crimes and are not authorized for pursuit under the provisions
of this section:

1. Felony attempting to elude; and

2. Simple assault and battery.

Officers will consider self-terminating a pursuit involving a person crime or DUI suspect under the following
circumstances:

1. When the suspect’s driving behavior is so egregious that allowing the pursuit to continue poses
substantial and imminent risk to the officer(s), the public or the suspect; or
 2. When officers know of and have access to information from a GPS tracking device on the suspect or the
vehicle.

Officers should give heavy consideration to the following factors when determining whether the pursuit should
continue:

1. Excessive speed;
2. Disregard for traffic control devices;
3. Driving into oncoming lanes of traffic; and
4. Driving off-road, if continued pursuit cannot be achieved safely or Air One is present.

The severity of the suspected crime and the danger posed to the public if the suspect is allowed to remain at large
shall be of utmost importance when determining whether or not to continue the pursuit of a person suspected of a
person crime or driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance.

Continued pursuit of a suspect engaged in the above-listed behaviors will require strong justification. In these
instances, the officer must be able to document specific facts that show the decision to continue pursuing was
objectively reasonable under the circumstances.

Officers shall exercise extreme caution upon entering an active school zone or construction zone where workers are
present when pursuing an individual suspected of committing a person crime or driving under the influence of an
intoxicating substance.

Pursuit Termination

The officers directly involved in a pursuit have primary responsibility for terminating a pursuit when necessary;
however, any involved officer or supervisor may terminate the pursuit when termination is necessary to maintain the
safety of the public, the officer(s), or the suspect(s).

When a pursuit is terminated, all officers directly or indirectly involved shall:

1. Immediately stop all attempts to pursue;

2. Terminate Code 3 response;
3. Stop following the suspect; and
4. Adhere to all traffic laws.

An initiating unit that is no longer the primary or secondary vehicle in a pursuit shall proceed to the point of
termination, obeying all traffic laws and regulations. Code 3 driving is not permitted.

Officers may not continue or reinitiate a terminated pursuit without the authorization of the managing supervisor.

Pursuing Officer Responsibilities

The following factors shall be considered before initiating and continuing a vehicle pursuit:

1. Degree of risk created by pursuit;

2. Seriousness of the suspected crime;
3. Whether the identity of the violator is known;
4. Presence of pedestrians and motorists;
5. Nature of the area: residential, commercial, school zone, open highway, etc.;
6. Weather;
7. Road conditions such as construction or poor repair;
8. The speed of the suspect in relation to the speed of all other traffic; and
9. The suspect’s behavior that endangers public safety.
Before attempting a vehicle stop when a driver is likely to flee (such as known stolen cars or wanted subjects) the
primary unit will attempt to avoid a pursuit by coordinating the response of assisting officers. For example, an
apprehension at a stoplight or other preplanned location may be an appropriate tactic. The officer will wait for a
secondary unit to arrive prior to attempting to stop the vehicle, unless the vehicle initiates a pursuit prior to the
arrival of the secondary unit.

Immediately upon meeting the conditions of a pursuit as defined in this procedure, emergency lights and siren shall
be activated and remain activated at all times during a pursuit.

A low-profile vehicle which is not equipped with overhead lights but is equipped with emergency equipment
pursuant to state statute, may engage in a pursuit, provided due care and caution are used. RAAID, CITCO and
marked vehicles with no overhead lights are the only pursuit-rated low-profile vehicles permitted to engage in a
pursuit. Once the first marked emergency vehicle with overhead lights engages in the pursuit, that vehicle shall
assume the lead and the low-profile vehicle will assume the secondary position.

Officers shall not drive on the wrong side on streets, freeways, or any other type of roadway, except to pass vehicles
blocking the pursuing officer’s lane of traffic. Officers should return to the correct lane as quickly as possible once
past the blocked traffic lanes.

Primary and Secondary Officer Responsibilities

The initiating or primary officer in a pursuit shall immediately notify 911 Communications of the following:

1. Location;
2. License plate number;
3. Vehicle description;
4. Reason for the pursuit;
5. Number of occupants;
6. Direction of travel;
7. Estimated speed of the suspect;
8. Traffic conditions; and
9. Any other relevant actions by the suspect vehicle.

Officers shall give updated information concerning direction of travel, speed, speed limit and unusual actions of the
suspect. Radio transmissions shall be kept as short as possible.

Officers shall continually evaluate the risk of continued pursuit.

Pursuing officers shall maintain a safe distance from the suspect vehicle and from other police units involved in the
pursuit. Safe distance shall mean a distance sufficient to avoid colliding with or interfering with other vehicles
involved in the pursuit.

The secondary officer in a pursuit will assist the primary officer during the pursuit and at the point of termination.
The secondary officer shall not overtake the primary officer unless specifically requested to do so and shall drive
behind the primary unit. The secondary officer may block an adjoining lane to prevent interference with the pursuit
by other vehicle(s) traveling in the same direction.

The secondary officer shall be prepared to assume the role of primary officer, if needed, and may broadcast the
pursuit if requested by the primary officer or if ordered by the managing supervisor.

No officer will overtake the primary or secondary officer in a pursuit, unless:

1. Ordered to do so by the managing supervisor; or

2. Requested by a primary or secondary pursuing officer if they need to discontinue pursuit.
Tactical Pursuit Management

All officers in the path of a pursuit shall remain alert to its progress and location and actively assist with traffic
control along the route of the pursuit to promote public safety and provide coverage for collision investigation,
perimeter containment and foot pursuits. Uninvolved officers will not join the pursuit or overtake the pursuing
officers unless authorized by a supervisor.

If only one OCPD unit is directly involved in a pursuit when it begins, the closest OCPD unit is authorized to
respond Code 3 and exceed the speed restrictions listed in Code 3 Restrictions if it can be done safely, until that unit
becomes the secondary officer in the pursuit. This unit must advise 911 Communications they are responding as the
second (closest) unit to the pursuit and provide their location.

Additional officers may respond to the area of the pursuit but are not authorized to operate Code 3 or violate any
traffic laws or ordinances, unless authorized by a supervisor.

Should a pursuit cross division boundaries, any officer or supervisor with relevant information shall notify the
dispatcher of any special conditions or hazards along the projected route.

Officers should avoid approaching an occupied suspect vehicle at the termination of a pursuit. A high-risk vehicle
stop shall be the most appropriate method of taking suspects into custody. Exigent circumstances may exist at the
termination of a pursuit that may cause an officer to approach an occupied suspect vehicle.

Vehicle Pursuits with Air Support

When police helicopter personnel are airborne and available, they shall respond to all pursuits. Once the helicopter
has established visual contact with the pursued vehicle and can follow the pursuit, the managing supervisor shall be
notified. Helicopter personnel will call the pursuit and update units as to the suspect's location, direction, speed, etc.

At this point, the managing supervisor shall order all ground units to terminate Code 3 response. This means officers
shall no longer follow the suspect vehicle, nor violate any traffic laws or regulations. Officers are permitted to drive
in non-emergency mode in the direction Air-One is advising the suspect is driving, without being visible to the
suspect. The continued pursuit by units may be authorized only by the managing supervisor and based on the facts
known at the time, which may include the following:

1. The seriousness of the offense, such as violent felons;

2. All factors listed under Pursuing Officer Responsibilities for consideration prior to initiating and
continuing a pursuit; and
3. Circumstances which may impact officer safety or the ability to safely apprehend the suspects.

Helicopter personnel will broadcast information regarding any perceived, observed or previously known hazards or
circumstances in the path of the pursuit which may need to be considered for the purposes of termination.

Air One may have the best vantage point and should constantly evaluate the risk involved in continuing the ground
pursuit. If Air One determines the risk of continued ground pursuit by officers exceeds the value of having officers
on-site for immediate apprehension of a suspect(s), Air One should terminate the ground pursuit.

Helicopter personnel will inform the managing supervisor and other units when and if an opportunity is present for
an apprehension. This will generally occur when the suspect(s) has stopped and is exiting the vehicle. Helicopter
personnel will assist units in establishing a perimeter until the suspect(s) is in custody or the managing supervisor
terminates the police response.

Air One will notify the managing supervisor if officers are still following after termination.
In instances where the ground pursuit is terminated and the suspect’s driving behavior continues to be a hazard, Air
One will increase their altitude so they cannot be detected by the suspect, when safe to do so, and refrain from the
use of the spotlight.

Roadblocks

A roadblock involves the placing of one or more police vehicles where the sole purpose is to obstruct a moving
vehicle and apprehend a fleeing suspect. The use of a roadblock is not authorized.

Tire Deflation Devices

The purpose of the deployment of the tire deflation device is primarily to safely disable a vehicle to prevent it from
fleeing. When any vehicle crosses a deployed tire deflation device, hollow spikes are embedded into the tires,
causing the tires to deflate at a controlled rate. While the driver may continue to drive, the ability to operate the
vehicle at high speeds is greatly reduced, if not eliminated.

Officers are prohibited from deploying tire deflation devices on any moving vehicle. Officers are strictly prohibited
from entering the path of a motor vehicle pursuit to deploy tire deflation devices.

Deployment

Tire deflation devices may only be deployed when a vehicle is stationary and the following criteria are met:

1. Deployment can be safely accomplished without placing the officer in harm’s way (e.g., potentially armed
subject(s) in the vehicle, vehicle in the line of sight of a barricaded subject, an occupied vehicle capable of
being driven);
2. It is objectively reasonable to conclude that deployment could mitigate the risk of immediate danger to
officer(s), the general public, or the person if allowed to leave in the vehicle; and
3. A supervisor has approved the deployment.

The decision to deploy a tire deflation device should be made based on the totality of circumstances surrounding the
incident. The supervisor will consider the following prior to authorizing the deployment of any tire deflation device:

1. Whether the person poses a risk to officers or the public if allowed to leave in the vehicle;
2. The probability of deployment resulting in safe resolution of the incident; and
3. Whether deployment of the device would unnecessarily place an officer(s) in harm’s way.

Outside Agency Request for Deployment

The Watch Commanders may authorize deployment of a tire deflation device at the request of an outside agency;
however, devices may only be deployed in accordance with this procedure.

Post-Deployment Inspection / Spike Replacement

At the conclusion of an incident in which any tire deflation device is deployed, whether a vehicle drove over it or
not, personnel shall inspect the device for damaged, loose, and/or missing spikes. If any portion of the tire deflation
device sleeve is damaged or was run over, that sleeve will be replaced prior to the redeployment of the tire deflation
device in the field. The Operations Administration sergeant shall ensure each division has replacement sleeves.

Reporting

The deploying officer will document the usage of a tire deflation device in an incident supplement. The report will
contain the following information:

A. Location of deployment;
 B. Name(s) of person who deployed the device;
C. Injuries and/or death;
D. Which vehicle the deflation device was deployed on (i.e., suspect, barricaded subject, mental health
consumer, etc.);
E. What the circumstances were surrounding the deployment;
F. The name of the supervisor who authorized the deployment; and
G. If the device was deployed in response to an outside agency request, the Watch Commander who
authorized the deployment.

The managing supervisor will complete and submit the online Stop Stick Deployment Report form on SharePoint
after each tire deflation deployment.

Vehicle Disabling Maneuvers

A Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) is a controlled contact maneuver to disable a fleeing suspect’s vehicle which
is designed to de-escalate and resolve a pursuit quickly in the interest of public safety. This technique allows officers
to use the patrol vehicle to push, not ram, a fleeing suspect’s vehicle to disrupt the traction of the vehicle and end the
pursuit. The ultimate objective of the TVI is to reduce the risk of death or injury to the public, officer(s), and the
suspect(s). The use of TVI is not reasonably anticipated to cause injury or death to the suspect.

Considerations

TVI will only be used or attempted in situations where the pursuing officer reasonably believes that the continued
pursuit of the suspect’s vehicle would place others in danger of great bodily harm or death. The managing supervisor
and the pursuing officer(s) must assess whether the apparent risk of harm to others created by the pursuit is so great
as to outweigh the risk of harm in utilizing the TVI technique. The safety of the public, officer(s), and the suspect(s)
will be paramount in determining whether or not to use TVI.

Requirements

TVI can be used to stop a pursuit at the safest, earliest, and most appropriate opportunity before the pursuit places
residents, officers, and the suspect in further danger.

The following conditions must be met before employing the TVI technique:

1. The pursuit is authorized pursuant to this directive;

2. The speed of the fleeing vehicle does not exceed 45 mph at the time the technique is employed;
3. The officer employing the technique is authorized by the department and driving a vehicle equipped to
perform TVI;
4. The officer is operating a vehicle that is utilizing emergency lights and sirens;
5. At least two other officers, which may include a supervisor, are en route to the officer performing the TVI;
and
6. The roadway has adequate space to safely perform a TVI.

If a pursuit originates in another jurisdiction and crosses into Oklahoma City, the use of TVI must be requested by
the pursuing agency and authorized by the Watch Commander.

Prohibitions

The TVI technique shall not be used or attempted:

A. When the fleeing vehicle:

1. Has less than four (4) wheels;
2. Is an ATV, golf cart, go-cart, or other recreational vehicle;
3. Has a rear bumper height that is higher than the patrol’s vehicle’s front bumper;
 4. Is significantly heavier than the police vehicle;
5. Is a pickup truck with passengers in the bed; or
6. Is pulling a trailer.
B. On any vehicle if the rear tires have been deflated;
C. On any vehicle known to have an infant or child as a passenger;
D. In any active school zone when school is in session;
E. At any location where the potential for high-density pedestrian traffic exists; or
F. On any roadway containing the following hazards:
1. Construction zones;
2. Bridges; or
3. Train tracks.

Exceptions

Under extreme circumstances, the TVI technique may be used in violation of the requirements and prohibitions
listed above, to include:

1. In instances where the application of deadly force would be permissible (See Police 554.40);
2. To stop known, extremely dangerous, fleeing felons; and
3. As a last resort when it is reasonably clear that all other methods of capturing the fleeing felon(s) have
failed or will fail.

Prior to using the TVI technique under these circumstances on a vehicle with multiple occupants, officers must
reasonably confirm all the occupants are extremely dangerous felony suspects. If officers reasonably believe the
vehicle contains a person that is not an extremely dangerous felony suspect, officers will not use the TVI technique
on the vehicle.

Reporting

The use or attempted use of TVI will be documented in the officer’s incident report. The officer’s incident report
will contain the specific events which led to and permitted the use of TVI.

The managing supervisor will need to document the use of a TVI in the Managing Supervisor’s Administrative
Pursuit Review as well as the electronic tracking system.

Vehicle damage is known to occur to vehicles involved in this technique. Damage to vehicles involved in this
technique is not considered a collision or crash and will not trigger the collision review process. The managing
supervisor will photograph the damage to the involved vehicle(s), upload the photographs, and complete the
appropriate documentation for damage to City equipment in Origami.

An Official Traffic Collision report will only be required in instances where the use or attempted use of this
technique causes:

1. Any vehicle or other property not involved in the pursuit to sustain damage;
2. Any party to sustain an injury where transportation to the hospital is required; or
3. Any pedestrian to be struck or injured.

Notifications

In instances involving an injury and transportation to the hospital, the supervisor will contact Signal 30 to complete
the collision investigation. The managing supervisor will also be responsible for notifying the Office of Professional
Standards of the incident.
The managing supervisor will further notify the Watch Commander of any injuries or property damage sustained as
a result of the use or attempted use of this technique which will require an Official Traffic Collision report to be
completed.

Ramming

Ramming is the intentional act of driving a vehicle into a person or vehicle or object occupied by a person.
Ramming may be used only:

1. In instances where deadly force would be permissible (See Policy 554.40);

2. To stop known, extremely dangerous, fleeing felons; and
3. As a last resort when it is reasonably clear that all other methods of capturing the fleeing felon(s) have
failed or will fail.

Prior to ramming a vehicle with multiple occupants, officers must reasonably confirm all the occupants are
extremely dangerous felony suspects. If officers reasonably believe the vehicle contains a person that is not an
extremely dangerous felony suspect, officers will not ram the vehicle.

Acts of ramming are considered a use of force and will be reviewed by the Use of Force Screening Committee. The
Collision Review Board will not review acts of ramming.

Pursuit Management for Supervisors

After an officer announces they are in pursuit, the officer’s supervisor will be the managing supervisor for the
duration of the pursuit. If the officer’s supervisor is unavailable, another supervisor may manage the pursuit. If a
supervisor, regardless of rank, is the primary unit in a pursuit, another supervisor of any rank shall be designated the
managing supervisor.

The managing supervisor shall consider all factors listed under Pursuing Officer Responsibilities prior to initiating
and continuing a pursuit, including whether or not exigent circumstances exist to allow an otherwise terminatable
pursuit to continue.

The managing supervisor shall:

1. Determine the reason for the pursuit and the surrounding conditions from the involved officer(s) and
911 Communications;
2. Authorize or terminate the pursuit based on all available information;
3. Continually evaluate the risk of continued pursuit;
4. Request a unit to respond to assist with a TVI maneuver and authorize additional units in the pursuit
for officer safety purposes if they can articulate the conditions are present to perform a TVI;
5. Ensure no more than two (2) vehicles – primary and secondary unit – are actively taking part in a
pursuit;
i. The managing supervisor may authorize and must identify additional units by unit number
for pursuits involving person crimes and DUIs, depending on the severity of the offense,
number of occupants, or likelihood of an armed encounter.
6. Ensure the officer broadcasting the pursuit provides necessary information by requesting additional
required information if it has not been broadcasted.

The managing supervisor may move in the direction of the pursuit in a non-emergency mode, unless they are in
close enough proximity to join the pursuit, in which case they may respond Code 3.

Use of Livestream During a Pursuit

A managing supervisor may livestream the primary officer’s in-car camera to observe the pursuit and shall notify
911 Communications if they elect to do so.
If the managing supervisor is using livestream, a secondary supervisor may move in the direction of the pursuit in a
non-emergency mode.

If the managing supervisor is responding to the area of the pursuit, another supervisor in the same division may
access livestream to observe the pursuit and provide information to the managing supervisor.

All supervisors in the path of a pursuit shall remain alert to its progress and location and shall actively assist with
traffic control and/or the management of traffic control along the route of the pursuit to promote public safety and
provide coverage for collision investigation, perimeter containment and foot pursuits.

Post-Termination Management

The managing supervisor will respond to the scene of termination on all pursuits where Air One is not involved.
When the managing supervisor terminates the ground portion of a pursuit and Air One continues tracking the
violator, the managing supervisor will ensure ground units comply with termination procedures.

The managing supervisor shall determine if a traffic collision resulting from the pursuit has occurred at any point
along the route of the pursuit. This includes damage to police equipment, the suspect vehicle, vehicles of residents,
and any other property. If a collision has occurred, the managing supervisor will ensure an appropriate investigation
is conducted.

If a collision involving death or injury which may result in death occurs as a direct or indirect result of a pursuit, the
managing supervisor will notify the Watch Commander who will then notify 911 Communications of the necessary
details to make the appropriate notifications. An Operations Bureau deputy chief shall notify the Chief of Police.

In instances when a suspect has escaped apprehension, the managing supervisor shall immediately coordinate efforts
to follow up any investigative leads.

The managing supervisor shall ensure a debriefing is conducted with all involved officers as soon as is reasonable.

Inter-Jurisdictional Pursuits

Only the primary and secondary officers along with the managing supervisor are authorized to leave the City during
a pursuit. Continued pursuit of a subject outside of City limits will require supervisor approval. This provision does
not apply to pursuits entering municipalities surrounded by Oklahoma City (e.g., Bethany, Warr Acres).

The managing supervisor may assign additional units for pursuits involving person crimes or DUI suspects,
depending upon the severity of the offense, number of occupants or likelihood of an armed encounter. The
supervisor will have to articulate the reason for allowing additional units and identify those units by unit number
over the radio.

Pursuit of a subject beyond the counties encompassing/surrounding Oklahoma City will require the authorization of
the Watch Commander.

Notifications

Whenever a pursuit enters another jurisdiction, 911 Communications shall notify the receiving jurisdiction of the
pursuit and the reason for the pursuit and shall provide updates regarding the status of the pursuit.

When a pursuit is discontinued or reaches termination, all units and the receiving jurisdiction should be advised
immediately.

Managing Supervisor Responsibilities

A managing supervisor shall respond to the scene of termination or discontinuance of the pursuit.
The managing supervisor shall gather from each participating jurisdiction involved, information concerning the
circumstances of its participation and the names of any of its officers participating in the pursuit.

Pursuits Entering Oklahoma City Jurisdiction

In a pursuit originating in another jurisdiction and crossing into Oklahoma City, a supervisor from the affected
division will be identified and assigned to monitor the pursuit. The assigned supervisor may authorize one unit to
participate in the pursuit. Once an officer engages in direct pursuit, the assigned supervisor will assume the role of
managing supervisor. The pursuing officer will provide the 911 Communications Unit with updated information
concerning direction of travel, speed, and any unusual actions in the interest of safety. If Air One is present, they
should call the pursuit. The managing supervisor may assign additional officers to assist with traffic control, render
assistance at the termination or discontinuation point, or to monitor the progress of the pursuit.

Upon request of the initiating jurisdiction and with the approval of the managing supervisor, an officer may become
the primary vehicle.

Supervisors and commanders shall have final authority over the involvement of Oklahoma City police officers in
outside agency pursuits. Officers shall assist with traffic control along the path of an outside agency pursuit to
promote public safety.

Investigative Jurisdiction for Collisions Related to Pursuits

The Oklahoma City Police Department shall investigate all collisions resulting from an Oklahoma City Police
Department pursuit regardless of the jurisdiction in which the collision occurred. The department will not investigate
collisions which occur outside of Oklahoma City prior to the involvement of OCPD personnel in the pursuit. This
does not preempt the jurisdiction from conducting its own investigation or a joint investigation.

Reporting Requirements

Upon the termination of a pursuit, all officers involved will meet at a location designated by the managing
supervisor. In addition, the following reporting requirements will be followed.

Primary Officer

The primary officer shall complete an incident report, including all elements of the pursuit and the reason(s) to
continue and/or terminate the pursuit.

Other Involved Officers

The secondary officer, and any additional officers involved in the pursuit, will complete an incident supplement and
submit it prior to the end of their shift.

The helicopter pilot or observer will complete an incident supplement.

Administrative Pursuit Review

The managing supervisor shall:

1. Ensure all officers involved directly or indirectly in the pursuit have completed an appropriate report;
2. Complete a Significant Incident and post it on the message board prior to the end of the shift;
3. Complete the Managing Supervisor Administrative Vehicle Pursuit Summary, including all elements
of the pursuit and the reason(s) to continue and/or terminate the pursuit, and attach the following:
1. Copies of all related reports;
2. A copy of the CAD wave file;
 3. CAD printout;
4. Any applicable video from the incident;
5. A copy of any recording of the pursuit from Air One (this can be obtained from the Air
Support supervisor); and
6. Any other documentation or information related to the pursuit.
4. Clearly articulate in their report their justification to continue ground pursuit once Air One was directly
involved in the pursuit, if applicable;
5. Review all of the attached information to determine if the officers’ actions were in compliance with
departmental directives; and
6. Forward the Managing Supervisor Administrative Vehicle Pursuit Summary and all of its attachments
to the appropriate Shift Commander and document their recommendations in accordance with
Procedure 170.

The Shift Commander’s primary responsibility in reviewing pursuits will be to determine whether the officers’
actions in a pursuit, directly or indirectly, were in compliance with departmental directives.

The Shift Commander will:

1. Review all information provided by the managing supervisor in the Managing Supervisor
Administrative Vehicle Pursuit Summary and its attachments;
2. Complete the Captain’s Administrative Review Summary;
1. This report will be placed with the Managing Supervisor Administrative Vehicle Pursuit
Summary and its attachments;
3. Forward the summary to the appropriate division commander for their review and document their
recommendations in accordance with Procedure 170.

The appropriate Division Commander will review all information in the Managing Supervisor Administrative
Vehicle Pursuit Summary, its attachments, and the Captain’s Administrative Review Summary.

The division commander will:

1. Make a recommendation as to whether the officers’ actions in a pursuit were in compliance with
departmental directives; and
2. Forward all information to the appropriate bureau chief and document their recommendations in
accordance with Procedure 170.

The Bureau Chief will review the information provided by the division commander and make a determination as to
whether the pursuit complied with departmental directives.

If a determination is made that an officer’s actions were inconsistent with departmental directives, the bureau chief
will take appropriate action.

The bureau chief will ensure all information compiled on a pursuit is routed to Professional Standards, who will
route pursuit information to the Law Enforcement Driver Training Coordinator at the Police Training Center.

Investigation Responsibilities

When a suspect has evaded apprehension, the initiating division will conduct the investigation if misdemeanor
traffic offenses are the only known offenses committed by the suspect.

When a suspect has evaded apprehension for any offense other than a misdemeanor traffic offense, the appropriate
investigative unit shall be assigned to investigate the identity of the suspect for prosecution. The appropriate
investigative unit assigned will be determined by the crime initiating the pursuit.
For pursuits resulting in apprehension, the investigative unit responsible for investigating the crime which initiated
the pursuit shall conduct the investigation.

The Signal 30 Unit will assist in the investigation of all pursuits resulting in death or serious bodily injury.

Chief’s Directive 22-03, 6/7/2022