In recent years, high-speed police pursuits have become a topic of heated discussions in South Florida. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has faced scrutiny regarding its policies, which allow troopers to engage in tactics considered dangerous by various law enforcement experts.

Understanding the PIT Maneuver

The precision immobilization technique, commonly known as the PIT maneuver, is a controversial tool used by law enforcement to stop fleeing vehicles. According to Dr. Roy Taylor, a police policy expert with over 45 years in law enforcement, the technique involves intentionally steering a pursuing vehicle into a suspect’s car to disrupt its travel path, essentially transforming the pursued vehicle into what he describes as an “unguided missile.”

Safety Concerns and Expert Opinions

Dr. Taylor, who has served as a police chief and an expert witness in legal cases involving police pursuits, emphasizes the significant risks associated with the PIT maneuver. He asserts, “Are there circumstances where the PIT maneuver is warranted? Absolutely. The issue that I have is that it can cause death or serious bodily injury.”

A 2023 report by the Justice Department echoes these concerns, deeming the PIT maneuver as “controversial” and “high-risk,” applicable not only to the suspect but also to passengers, officers, and innocent bystanders. The report recommends that such maneuvers should be limited to strictly defined circumstances.

Policy Changes and Their Implications

Interestingly, while the Justice Department’s study emphasizes caution, the FHP revised its policy the same year, permitting increased use of the PIT maneuver under certain conditions. Some experts, including Dr. Taylor, argue that this policy allows for excessive force against individuals, as the definition of when to engage in a pursuit is broader than federal recommendations.

He points out a critical flaw in the FHP guidelines where they state officers must determine if a suspect is actively eluding or has previously committed a forcible felony. The use of the word “or” in this context potentially enables officers to engage in chases for minor infractions, stating, “If you don’t pull over, once they activate the lights and siren, the trooper could say, ‘well, you’re eluding.’”

Case Studies Highlighting the Risks

The implications of this policy were tragically highlighted in a recent incident near Gainesville, where a stolen SUV was chased by troopers at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Following the deployment of the PIT maneuver, the vehicle crashed, resulting in the deaths of four teenagers, including a 16-year-old boy. His father expressed heartbreak over the situation, highlighting the intense pressure and fear the youths faced.

Responses from Law Enforcement Officials

In defense of the FHP’s approach, executive director Dave Kerner stated that the agency aims to hold dangerous felons accountable for their actions. He noted that troopers receive specialized training for executing the PIT maneuver. Despite this, Dr. Taylor advocates for stricter policy adjustments to limit the use of the maneuver to cases involving forcible felonies. “Small changes in policy can make all the difference on the road,” he remarked.