Report Title:

Police; Training; High-Speed Pursuits

Description:

Requires the police departments to train officers in the handling of high-speed vehicle pursuits and provide guidelines for high-speed vehicle pursuits.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	561
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENTS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 52D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§52D-    High speed vehicle pursuits; training courses and guidelines. (a)  Each police department shall implement a course or courses of instruction for the training of police officers in the handling of high-speed vehicle pursuits and shall also develop uniform, minimum guidelines for response to high-speed vehicle pursuits.  The guidelines and course of instruction shall:

(1) Stress the importance of vehicle safety and protecting the public at all times;

(2) Include a regular assessment of law enforcement's vehicle pursuit policies, practices, and training; and

(3) Recognize the need to balance the known offense and the need for immediate capture against the risks to police officers and other citizens of a high-speed pursuit.

(b)  The course or courses of basic training for police officers and the guidelines shall include adequate consideration of each of the following subjects:

(1) When to initiate a pursuit;

(2) The number of involved law enforcement units permitted;

(3) Responsibilities of primary and secondary law enforcement units;

(4) Driving tactics;

(5) Helicopter assistance;

(6) Communications;

(7) Capture of suspects;

(8) Termination of a pursuit;

(9) Supervisory responsibilities;

(10) Blocking, ramming, boxing, and roadblock procedures;

(11) Speed limits;

(12) Interjurisdictional considerations;

(13) Conditions of the vehicle, driver, roadway, weather, and traffic;

(14) Hazards to uninvolved bystanders or motorists; and

(15) Reporting and post pursuit analysis.

(c)  All police officers shall participate in supplementary training on high-speed vehicle pursuits as prescribed and certified by the employing police department.  Police departments are encouraged to include, as part of their advanced police officer training program, periodic updates and training on high-speed vehicle pursuit.

(d)  The course or courses of instruction, the learning and performance objectives, the standards for the training, and the guidelines shall be developed by each police department in consultation with appropriate groups and individuals having an interest and expertise in the field of high-speed vehicle pursuits.  The groups and individuals shall include subject matter experts and members of the public.  Each police department, in consultation with these groups and individuals, shall review existing training programs to determine the ways in which high-speed pursuit training may be included as part of ongoing programs.

(e)  The legislature intends that all police departments adopt minimum guidelines on high-speed vehicle pursuit."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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