MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What should an officer do when encountering a situation involving a high-speed chase?

1. Engage the suspect at all costs

2. Notify dispatch and follow the suspect safely

3. Ignore the situation unless it poses a direct threat

4. Call for backup and discontinue pursuit

The correct answer is: Notify dispatch and follow the suspect safely

In a high-speed chase, notifying dispatch and following the suspect safely is the most prudent course of action. This choice emphasizes the importance of communication with dispatch, which ensures that other units are informed of the situation. It allows for coordinated responses and helps establish a framework for managing the pursuit effectively. Following the suspect safely, rather than engaging aggressively, balances the need for law enforcement intervention with public safety. High-speed pursuits can pose significant risks to officers, suspects, and the general public due to the potential for accidents, collateral damage, and increased danger. By maintaining a safe distance and being in constant communication with dispatch, officers can control the situation without escalating it unnecessarily and can assess other tactical options, such as deploying spike strips or setting up roadblocks, as the situation develops. Engaging the suspect at all costs could lead to reckless driving and endanger lives. Ignoring the situation unless it poses a direct threat dismisses the officer's responsibility to intervene when there's a crime in progress. Calling for backup and discontinuing pursuit may not be appropriate in all circumstances, as this could allow the suspect to escape if backup cannot respond quickly enough or if the situation warrants a continued pursuit under controlled conditions.