What is encouraged when continuing a foot pursuit?

Verbal communication and identification are crucial during a foot pursuit for several reasons. First, maintaining a dialogue among pursuing officers helps coordinate the effort, ensuring everyone is aware of the situation and can respond accordingly. Effective communication can also serve to identify the suspect more clearly, as officers might call out their observations, descriptions, or warnings.

Moreover, verbal communication can help to de-escalate potential tensions. If a suspect hears officers announcing themselves, it may prompt them to surrender without further flight or confrontation. Identifying oneself as law enforcement can enhance authority and may deter the suspect from continued evasion.

In contrast, silence during a pursuit may lead to confusion among the officers involved and can increase the risk of uncoordinated efforts or potential accidents. Physical pursuit alone, without commands or communication, lacks the strategic element necessary for effective enforcement, and establishing a perimeter without actively pursuing the suspect could allow for their escape or might lead to missed opportunities to apprehend them. Thus, verbal communication and identification is the most effective approach during foot pursuits.