What does the Fresh Pursuit Doctrine allow a law enforcement officer to do?

The Fresh Pursuit Doctrine permits law enforcement officers to make an arrest across jurisdictional lines when they are in pursuit of a suspect who has committed a crime. This doctrine is rooted in the principle that public safety is paramount and that allowing officers to apprehend a fleeing suspect—even if they cross into another jurisdiction—ensures continuity in law enforcement efforts and helps prevent the escape of individuals who pose a threat to the community.

This legal concept recognizes that the urgency of capturing a suspect can override some jurisdictional boundaries, as long as the officer is in "fresh pursuit"—which typically means that they are actively chasing a suspect who has just committed a crime and has not had a reasonable opportunity to evade arrest. This authority helps maintain the effectiveness of law enforcement across different areas and jurisdictions, allowing for collaboration between agencies when necessary.

While the ability to arrest individuals for minor offenses and conduct searches without warrants are important aspects of law enforcement, they do not directly relate to the Fresh Pursuit Doctrine. Similarly, engaging in high-speed chases may occur as part of a pursuit but does not define the doctrine itself, which specifically focuses on the ability to make arrests across jurisdictional lines.