Can Cops Chase Motorcycles

Police pursuit of motorcycles is a complex and controversial topic in law enforcement. While the ability to chase suspects is an important tool for police, pursuing motorcycles presents unique risks and challenges. Many jurisdictions have implemented specific policies or laws regarding motorcycle pursuits due to safety concerns.

The decision to chase a motorcycle suspect involves carefully weighing public safety against law enforcement objectives. Factors like road conditions, traffic, weather, and the severity of the suspected crime all come into play. Some areas have enacted “no-chase” policies for motorcycles except in extreme circumstances.

Motorcycle Pursuit Policies

Many police departments have implemented specific policies regarding the pursuit of motorcycles. These policies aim to balance public safety with law enforcement needs. Pursuit policies typically outline factors officers must consider before initiating or continuing a motorcycle chase.

Common elements of motorcycle pursuit policies include:

• Restricting pursuits to violent felonies or imminent threats
• Requiring supervisor approval to continue pursuits
• Mandating termination if risks outweigh benefits
• Prohibiting pursuits for minor traffic violations
• Limiting number of pursuing vehicles
• Banning certain high-risk maneuvers

Some jurisdictions have enacted “no-chase” laws that prohibit police from pursuing motorcycles except in extreme circumstances. These laws recognize the heightened dangers of motorcycle pursuits. Even in areas without explicit no-chase laws, many departments have internal policies discouraging motorcycle pursuits in most situations.

Factors that may lead to terminating a motorcycle pursuit include:

• Excessive speeds
• Dangerous driving by suspect
• Heavy traffic or pedestrians
• Poor road or weather conditions
• Loss of visual contact with suspect
• Availability of alternative means to identify/apprehend

Officers must constantly reassess the risks versus potential benefits as a pursuit unfolds. Many agencies require supervisors to closely monitor pursuits and order termination if deemed too dangerous.

Risks of Motorcycle Pursuits

Pursuing motorcycles presents significant risks to officers, suspects, and the public. The maneuverability and acceleration of motorcycles make them difficult to safely pursue, especially at high speeds. Motorcycle pursuits have a higher likelihood of ending in crashes compared to car chases.

Key risks of motorcycle pursuits include:

• Increased chance of fatality for suspect
• Danger to pursuing officers
• Risk of injury to bystanders/other motorists
• Property damage from crashes
• Lawsuits against police departments

The small size and agility of motorcycles allow them to weave through traffic and take routes inaccessible to police vehicles. This often leads officers to drive at unsafe speeds or take risks to keep up. Pursuit driving techniques used for cars, like the PIT maneuver, are extremely dangerous when applied to motorcycles.

Even if a pursuit ends without a crash, the high-stress situation can cause riders to make fatal mistakes. Sudden braking or swerving at high speed may cause a motorcyclist to lose control. The lack of protection on a motorcycle means even minor collisions can be deadly.

Alternatives to Pursuit

Given the risks of motorcycle pursuits, police often employ alternative tactics to apprehend suspects. These methods aim to avoid dangerous high-speed chases while still holding offenders accountable. Non-pursuit strategies focus on gathering information and making arrests at a later time.

Common alternatives to motorcycle pursuits include:

• Recording license plate and vehicle description
• Using traffic cameras to track suspect’s route
• Deploying helicopter or drone surveillance
• Setting up roadblocks or spike strips ahead
• Identifying suspect through investigation
• Serving arrest warrant at later date

Many agencies now emphasize de-escalation and disengagement when motorcyclists flee. Instead of chasing, officers focus on gathering identifying information. This allows for safer apprehension once the suspect is located.

Air support from helicopters or drones is particularly effective for tracking fleeing motorcycles. Aircraft can follow suspects from a safe distance while directing ground units. This removes the need for dangerous high-speed pursuits on crowded roads.

Some departments use GPS tracking devices that can be launched onto fleeing vehicles. These allow police to remotely monitor a suspect’s location without actively pursuing. Officers can then coordinate a safe arrest once the motorcycle stops.

Legal Considerations

The legality of motorcycle pursuits varies by jurisdiction. Some states have passed laws specifically addressing when police can chase motorcycles. Other areas rely on general pursuit policies or leave it to individual departments.

Pursuit laws typically aim to balance public safety with law enforcement needs. Common legal restrictions on motorcycle pursuits include:

• Limiting chases to violent felonies
• Requiring supervisory approval
• Mandating termination if risks outweigh benefits
• Prohibiting pursuits for minor offenses
• Banning certain high-risk pursuit tactics

Even in areas without specific motorcycle pursuit laws, police departments may face civil liability for crashes. Courts have held agencies responsible for injuries or deaths resulting from pursuits deemed unnecessary or improperly conducted.

Many states provide qualified immunity to protect officers from lawsuits over pursuits. However, this immunity typically only applies if the officer followed department policy and acted reasonably given the circumstances.

Suspects who flee from police on motorcycles may face additional criminal charges beyond the initial offense. Felony evasion laws in many states impose harsh penalties for fleeing officers, especially at high speeds. Some jurisdictions have enhanced punishments specifically for motorcycle evasion due to the increased dangers.

Training and Equipment

Proper training and equipment are crucial for safely managing motorcycle pursuits. Many police departments provide specialized instruction on the unique challenges of chasing motorcycles. This training emphasizes sound decision-making and alternative tactics to avoid unnecessary pursuits.

Key elements of motorcycle pursuit training include:

• Recognizing when not to chase
• Proper radio communication
• Coordinating with air support
• Tactical vehicle positioning
• Anticipating rider behavior
• Termination techniques

Some agencies equip patrol vehicles with enhanced technology to aid in motorcycle pursuits. This may include GPS tracking devices, high-powered cameras, or automated license plate readers. These tools allow officers to gather suspect information without engaging in dangerous chases.

Departments in urban areas may maintain dedicated motorcycle units for traffic enforcement. These officers receive extensive training in safely pursuing other motorcycles when necessary. Their expertise and maneuverability can reduce risks compared to car-based pursuits.

FAQS About Can Cops Chase Motorcycles

• Are police allowed to chase motorcycles?
• Laws and policies vary, but many jurisdictions restrict or prohibit motorcycle pursuits except for violent felonies.

• Why don’t police chase motorcycles?
• Motorcycle pursuits have a high risk of crashes and fatalities due to the vehicles’ speed and maneuverability.

• What happens if you run from the cops on a motorcycle?
• You may face felony evasion charges in addition to the initial offense. Police will likely use alternative methods to identify and arrest you later.

• Can police use PIT maneuvers on motorcycles?
• PIT maneuvers are extremely dangerous for motorcycles and typically prohibited by department policies.

• Do no-chase laws apply to all vehicles or just motorcycles?
• Some areas have blanket no-chase policies, while others specifically restrict motorcycle pursuits due to the higher risks involved.