The PIT maneuver is another tool in the tool box. But like any other tool you need to have the appropriate training and equipment to make it effective and safe. It’s no different than using your baton or gun: You need to be trained.
But it’s potentially a very powerful tool. It’s essentially the only maneuver that can stop the pursuit without deadly force. But outside of some fairly strict parameters, it will constitute deadly force and endanger public safety.
We have a lot of misconceptions about it because of how it’s portrayed on TV and in the movies. We need to educate our officers—and our leadership—about when it’s appropriate and when it’s not appropriate. It can’t be used in every pursuit: Like using your OC spray or baton, there’s a time and a place for it. There’s a minimum speed and a maximum speed. You need the appropriate street configuration and the appropriate traffic conditions. You don’t use your gun on every call, do you? Same goes for the PIT maneuver.
It’s not for everyone. You need to gauge the level of every officer who might be trained on it to determine if this officer is an appropriate candidate. At a minimum, they must update their skills yearly. This is a regressive skill that isn’t used all that often.
Facebook Question: Does your agency authorize PIT maneuvers?
Bill A.: Only as a last resort.
Darren H.: Only if you’ve received the proper training, but yes.
Pete M.: No. Hell, we can’t even chase a car in N.J.
Miron B.: Nope. They don’t want the officers driving over the speed limit to chase somebody.
Shaun M.: No. And it’s kind of stupid. We don’t even have push bars for our own protection!
Bradley S.: Yes, taught at the San Bernardino, Calif., Sheriff’s Office.
James J.: No, we use bullets … it’s cheaper.
Kyle L.: No. Urban environment.
Cole B.: We have not been “trained” on them, but they happen occasionally.
Linda K.: No pursuits for the most part.
Sully M.: Yes, used twice in the last year. Very effecting in bringing what could be a dangerous pursuit to a quick end!
Debra A.: We can chase, but not PIT.
Jason O.: Depends, every pursuit is different. We can request permission and it’s up to the OIC.
Walt Q.: Yep, and trained on it regularly.
B.j. S.: No, but I think it’s a great tool that should be used.
