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15-26 - Refusal or Inability to Exit a Vehicle at the End of a Pursuit


15-27 - Avoiding Delays in Use of Force Interviews by Supervisors
15-25 - Using a Firearm Against a Vehicle

 

REFUSAL OR INABILITY TO EXIT A VEHICLE

AT THE END OF A PURSUIT

 

 

The objective of this newsletter is to address scenarios at the end of a pursuit or during a high-risk traffic stop that involve drivers who refuse or are unable to exit their vehicle when directed to do so by a deputy.

 

These incidents vary greatly and present unique circumstances.  Deputies must assess the situation and determine if the suspect is refusing to exit the vehicle or if the person suffers from a disability that is preventing him or her from exiting the vehicle.

 

If the suspect is refusing to exit the vehicle, he or she should be treated as a barricaded suspect, and barricaded suspect protocols should be followed. 

 

If the suspect has a disability or claims to have one preventing him or her from exiting the vehicle, the following tactical considerations should apply:

 

  • Radio Traffic - Relay appropriate information for the situation and, if needed, request additional resources.          
  • Coordination - Command personnel must have the ability to organize and direct the actions of all responding personnel in order to integrate efforts at the scene of a tactical operation.  This increases efficiency, effectiveness, and safety.
  • Command - Exercise authority to direct actions of others during a tactical incident.  The handling unit should provide clear and concise orders to prevent confusion between the suspect and other deputies (one source of commands to the suspect).
  • Cover, Concealment, and Tactical Relocation - Seek adequate cover and be prepared to move to better cover should it become ineffective.       
  • Tactical Approach - A minimum of two deputies should approach the vehicle. Deputies should approach from the same side and preferably the passenger side of the suspect’s vehicle.  The deputies should clear the suspect’s vehicle slowly, methodically, and in sections.  Deputies must maintain a visual observation of the suspect’s hands upon approach and should consider using additional resources, such as a shield.  If a shield is unavailable, attempt to use natural terrain (parked cars on the street, fencing, walls) to conceal or cover your approach as safely as possible.  Once it is safe to do so, the suspect can be removed from the vehicle, controlled, handcuffed and searched.
  • Lighting – Utilize spotlights and take down lights so as to illuminate the interior of   the suspect’s vehicle and as a form of concealment as the lights will be a major distraction to the suspect.
  • Distance – Allows the deputy time to react to any aggressive behavior by the suspect.
  • Position of Advantage - That position which maximizes the ability to safely control, monitor, or engage a threat in the safest manner.
  • Shooting Back Drop - Assessing the area behind the target that may be impacted by rounds.
  • Field of Fire - The line of fire between an intended target and shooter that will likely be subject to the direct impact of fired rounds.
  • Fire Discipline - A controlled and measured rate of gunfire at a threat that emphasizes maximum accuracy and efficiency.  This is achieved through constant reassessment and target acquisition.
  • Target Acquisition - Identifying a specific threat and placing that threat within a point of aim or within sight alignment.
  • Crossfire - A situation that is created when deputy personnel find themselves in a position where their fields of fire and/or shooting backdrop is occupied by another deputy who may engage the same intended target.
  • Controlled Fire and Ammunition Management - Department policy regarding

“Use of Deadly Force.”

  • Consider deploying less-lethal options if the opportunity presents itself.

 

The primary goal of these incidents should be to ensure officer safety, the safety of your partners, and public safety, while attempting to provide an accommodation for the suspect’s alleged disability.

 

This Newsletter was created with the assistance of the Department’s Tactics and Survival Unit (TAS).

 

Information regarding the content of this newsletter may be directed to Field Operations Support Services at (323) 890-5411. 

           

 

References

Manual of Policy and Procedures (MPP) Sections:

http://intranet.lasd.sheriff.sdn/intranet/mpp/vol5/5-06/5-06-110.05.htm

http://intranet.lasd.sheriff.sdn/intranet/mpp/vol3/3-10/3-10-150.00.htm

http://intranet.lasd.sheriff.sdn/intranet/mpp/vol5/5-09/5-09-210.02.htm