Vehicle Operations
ANY POLICIES LISTED AS RESTRICTED ARE PROHIBITED FROM BEING RELEASED OUTSIDE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.
This page provides guidance on general vehicle operation standards for law enforcement personnel. Topics covered include defensive driving techniques, Code 3 (emergency) driving protocols, and operational requirements for officers and field staff when responding to calls for service. The goal is to support safe, effective, and accountable vehicle use in both routine and emergency situations. Agencies are encouraged to review these materials in the context of their own policies, training standards, and applicable law.
The purpose of this resource is to assist agencies in developing or refining their own vehicle operations policies by providing examples from across the law enforcement community. These materials are intended for reference only and should not be considered as universal standards or mandates.
It is the sole responsibility of each agency to thoroughly review and evaluate all content provided. Agencies must ensure that any adopted procedures or techniques are in compliance with current federal, state, and local laws, as well as consistent with their internal policies, training standards, and evolving best practices in law enforcement. Regular policy reviews and updates are strongly encouraged to reflect advancements in technology, legal rulings, and lessons learned from real-world incidents.
Use this resource as a starting point to strengthen your agency’s approach to safe, effective, and accountable pursuit management.