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Newport News Police Department
OPERATIONAL MANUAL
OPS - 120 – VEHICULAR PURSUITS
Amends/Supersedes: ADM-540 (02/10/2025) Date of Issue: 08/10/2026
I. GENERAL
A. The apprehension of a fleeing suspect is secondary in importance to the public’s safety. The guiding
principle in any pursuit situation will be that the operation of any police vehicle is exercised with due
regard for the safety of persons and property (refer to §46.2-920 of the Code of Virginia).
B. Any police vehicle being operated as an emergency vehicle during a pursuit must have both the
emergency lights and siren systems activated continuously. If the emergency lights and/or siren fail, the
officer operating the vehicle with the failed systems shall immediately terminate their involvement in
the pursuit. [41.2.1; 41.2.2(h)]
II. DEFINITIONS
A. Motor Vehicle
This policy defines a motor vehicle as a motorcycle, automobile, truck or bus. A bicycle or a moped shall
not be deemed a motor vehicle.
B. Vehicular Pursuit
A deliberate attempt by an officer in an authorized emergency vehicle to apprehend a fleeing suspect in
a motor vehicle who is actively attempting to elude apprehension by law enforcement.
III. PROCEDURES
A. An officer may initiate a vehicular pursuit under the following conditions, when they determine the
immediate or potential danger of the vehicle remaining at large is greater than the immediate danger of
a vehicle pursuit: [41.2.2(b)]
1. The officer has a reasonable belief, based upon articulable facts, that the suspect:
a. Has committed a violent felony.
b. Has committed a weapon offense and poses an imminent threat to the public (e.g., brandishing a
firearm or willfully discharging a firearm in a public place).
2. Special Investigations Division (SID) personnel attempting to apprehend an upper or mid-level drug
“target” who has been known or is suspected of violent behavior, either directly or indirectly, and/or
has been known to be armed and where their escape would lead to the destruction, concealment or
the distribution of illegal and significant felony narcotics. In addition, the following must also apply:
a. SID supervisors must have identified the specific target as upper or mid-level.
b. Other reasonable alternatives to a potential vehicular pursuit were considered and deemed not
feasible (e.g., arrested later, meeting the target outside of the vehicle, etc.).
c. The decision to initiate a vehicular pursuit was discussed and determined in a pre-operational
briefing, and all involved bureau/precinct commanders were briefed and concurred.
NOTE: Nothing in this policy shall prevent an officer from following a vehicle traveling at or below the
speed limit, refusing to yield to the police vehicle with emergency lights and siren engaged for other
offense categories not listed above.
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