PIT Officer Safety & Risk Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of vehicle configuration creates the greatest safety concern for officers when executing a PIT on a suspect vehicle?
- Compact sedans under 3,000 lbs
- SUVs and trucks with a higher center of gravity (Correct answer)
- Sports cars with low ground clearance
- Minivans with rear sliding doors
Correct answer: SUVs and trucks with a higher center of gravity
SUVs and trucks have a higher center of gravity, making them more prone to rolling over during PIT-induced rotation, creating severe hazards for everyone involved.
Question 2: What role does a supervisor play in managing officer safety risks during a vehicle pursuit?
- The supervisor physically drives a second pursuit vehicle
- The supervisor monitors and can authorize or terminate the pursuit based on risk factors (Correct answer)
- The supervisor is only notified after the pursuit concludes
- The supervisor contacts the suspect's family to negotiate surrender
Correct answer: The supervisor monitors and can authorize or terminate the pursuit based on risk factors
Supervisors monitor developing situations and have the authority to terminate pursuits when risks to officer and public safety outweigh the benefits of apprehension.
Question 3: At what speed range is the PIT maneuver generally considered SAFEST to execute?
- Under 35 mph (Correct answer)
- 35–55 mph
- 55–75 mph
- Above 75 mph
Correct answer: Under 35 mph
PIT maneuvers executed under 35 mph reduce the kinetic energy involved, lowering the risk of rollovers and severe injuries to all parties.
Question 4: Which pre-maneuver assessment helps reduce risk to third parties during a PIT attempt?
- Checking the officer's own blood pressure and stress level
- Scanning for pedestrians, intersections, and obstacles ahead (Correct answer)
- Confirming the suspect's identity via dispatch
- Verifying patrol vehicle warranty status
Correct answer: Scanning for pedestrians, intersections, and obstacles ahead
Scanning ahead for pedestrians, intersections, and obstacles allows the officer to identify hazard zones and avoid initiating contact where third parties could be harmed.
Question 5: Why is it important for officers to avoid pursuing into heavily populated urban areas when planning a PIT?
- Urban areas have higher speed limits that reduce officer control
- Urban environments increase the likelihood of bystander injury and property damage (Correct answer)
- Urban roads prevent effective use of police radios
- Urban pursuits require additional paperwork and administrative approval
Correct answer: Urban environments increase the likelihood of bystander injury and property damage
Densely populated urban environments present a significantly higher risk that a spinning or fleeing vehicle will strike innocent bystanders or cause severe property damage.
Question 6: What is the purpose of establishing a 'containment perimeter' after a successful PIT maneuver?
- To allow only one officer to approach the suspect vehicle
- To control the scene and prevent the suspect from fleeing on foot (Correct answer)
- To collect evidence before calling for backup
- To document tire marks for accident reconstruction
Correct answer: To control the scene and prevent the suspect from fleeing on foot
A containment perimeter prevents the suspect from fleeing on foot and allows officers to safely approach and take the subject into custody.
Question 7: Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'force continuum' as it applies to PIT maneuver use?
- Officers may use PIT regardless of offense severity if the vehicle exceeds 60 mph
- PIT is justified only when lesser force options have failed or are not feasible given the threat level (Correct answer)
- PIT should always be the first response to a fleeing vehicle
- Force continuum only applies to use of firearms, not vehicle maneuvers
Correct answer: PIT is justified only when lesser force options have failed or are not feasible given the threat level
PIT is considered a use-of-force tool that must be proportional to the threat; officers must consider whether lesser options are available before resorting to a PIT.
PIT Officer Safety & Risk Management 2
Which type of vehicle configuration creates the greatest safety concern for officers when executing a PIT on a suspect vehicle?