Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) Law Enforcement Driver Practice Test

When can an officer decide to terminate a pursuit?

1. At any time without reason

2. Only during low-speed chases

3. When they feel it is necessary

4. There are no specific statutory requirements

The correct answer is: There are no specific statutory requirements

An officer's decision to terminate a pursuit often hinges on policies set by their respective agency, which typically stress the importance of safety and risk assessment. While an officer may terminate a pursuit at their discretion, this decision is generally guided by established protocols rather than arbitrary choices. The correct option indicates that there are no specific statutory requirements dictating when an officer must terminate a pursuit, allowing for flexibility based on circumstances such as the level of threat to the public, the nature of the offense, environmental conditions, or the risk involved in continuing the chase. This understanding empowers officers to use their judgment to assess the situation and make decisions that prioritize community safety. In this context, the other choices suggest limitations or conditions that do not reflect the procedural autonomy officers possess when it comes to pursuits. For example, stating that termination can occur only during low-speed chases or requiring a specific reason does not align with the reality of law enforcement practices, where situational factors play a crucial role in decision-making.