What action should be taken if visual contact with a suspect is lost for more than three seconds?

The most appropriate action to take when visual contact with a suspect is lost for more than three seconds is to immediately terminate the pursuit. This approach minimizes risk to both the officers involved and the general public. Losing sight of a suspect for that length of time could mean the suspect has taken an unexpected turn, hidden, or even posed an immediate threat to others. Continuing to pursue without visual contact increases the likelihood of potential ambush situations or a confrontation with the suspect where the officer might not be fully prepared.

Additionally, terminating the pursuit allows officers to regroup, re-assess the situation, and call for backup if necessary, ensuring a more strategic approach to capturing the suspect. Safety for both officers and civilians is a priority, and taking the time to reassess ensures they can respond effectively while minimizing danger. This decision also adheres to many departments' pursuit policies, which often emphasize the importance of maintaining visual contact for officer safety and effective operation.