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15-25 - Using a Firearm Against a Vehicle


15-26 - Refusal or Inability to Exit a Vehicle at the End of a Pursuit
15-24 - Detaining Felony Suspects

 

USING A FIREARM AGAINST A VEHICLE

                                                      

Shooting at a vehicle is inherently dangerous and almost always ineffective. An assaultive suspect driving a motor vehicle shall not presumptively justify a Department member’s use of deadly force.  A Department member threatened by an oncoming motor vehicle shall move out of its path instead of discharging a firearm at it or its occupant(s), allow the vehicle to pass, and utilize other tactical or investigative means to apprehend the suspect. 

 

In the extraordinary instance that a Department member feels compelled to fire at a vehicle or its occupant(s), the conduct of the involved personnel shall be evaluated in accordance with sound tactical principles which include:

 

  • Cover and/or tactical relocation;
  • Safe distance;
  • Incident command and tactical leadership;
  • Coordinated personnel placement;
  • Tactical approach;
  • Regard for viable target acquisition;
  • Due regard for background, including the location, other traffic, and innocent persons;
  • Due regard for crossfire;
  • Controlled fire and management of ammunition.

 

A Department member shall not discharge a firearm at a motor vehicle, unless the member has an objectively reasonable belief that:

 

  • The vehicle or suspect poses an immediate threat of death or serious physical injury; and
  • The member has no reasonable alternative course of action to prevent death or serious physical injury.

 

Shooting at the tires of a vehicle is inherently dangerous and presents additional risk to

Department members and others in the immediate area.

 

This Newsletter was created with the assistance of the Tactics and Survival Unit.

 

Questions regarding the content of this newsletter may be directed to Field Operations Support Services.

 

 

References:

 

Manual of Policies and Procedures 

3-10/220.00 Use of Firearms Against Vehicles

3-10/150.00 Tactical Incidents

 

Field Operations Support Services Newsletter

Volume 15 Number 14 Shooting at Vehicle Tires