When making the decision to pursue, which factor must an officer utilize?

When deciding to pursue a vehicle or individual, sound judgment is crucial for an officer. This decision involves evaluating various factors, such as the nature of the offense, the risk to public safety, the environment, the officer's own safety, and the likelihood of apprehending the suspect. Sound judgment allows an officer to consider these elements collectively and determine if a pursuit is warranted.

Pursuits can escalate quickly and may result in dangerous situations for both the suspect and the public, so using sound judgment helps ensure that the decision is made thoughtfully and responsibly. Sound judgment guides officers to balance the need for law enforcement with the potential risks associated with high-speed chases, ultimately striving to maintain public safety as a priority.

While permission from a supervisor, patience, and prior experience can be valuable elements in various situations, they do not directly pertain to the fundamental decision-making required at the moment of pursuit initiation. Sound judgment encompasses the necessary evaluation of circumstances that an officer faces during a pursuit decision.