PENNSYLVANIA POLICE PURSUIT REPORTING SYSTEM
The State of Pennsylvania has taken a bold step as it pertains to the reporting of Police Pursuits. On July 1, 2002, the Pennsylvania State Police began collecting pursuit data electronically through a new system known as the Pennsylvania Police Pursuit Reporting System. The internet will provide increased accessibility to pursuit statistics and will allow pursuit data to be collected with a more efficient and accurate methodology. PPRS will offer updated pursuit statistics to both the public and police agencies. Five years of historical statewide police pursuit statistics will also be available on the PPRS website.
Since 1996, Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, “the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code,” made a requirement for police departments in Pennsylvania to make a record of all vehicle pursuits and report them to the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP). The Pennsylvania State Police is required to collect these reports, analyze the data, and compile an annual summary that is reported to various entities. The detailed information collected from these reports is used to help identify both positive and negative factors influencing the outcome of vehicular pursuits, validate or refute the merits of pursuit policies and apprehension techniques, and recognize training successes and deficiencies. The analysis of pursuit statistics enhances the safety of police officers and the public they serve.
Up until July 2002, individual police departments have been submitting pursuit data on a paper form, which is mailed to the PSP and entered into a database for analysis. At the end of each calendar year, the Pennsylvania State Police is required to publish an annual report of statewide pursuit statistics. The annual report is now made available to the public via www.psp.state.pa.us.
I commend the State of Pennsylvania for their efforts and achievement as it pertains to the reporting of police pursuits. As more information is obtained, I will update this article and let you know how you can push for this legislation in your own state.
Sergeant Travis Yates is a Team Leader with the Tulsa Police Law Enforcement Driver Training Unit. He is a nationally certified driving instructor and a certified instructor in tire deflation devices and the pursuit intervention technique. Sgt. Yates is a ten-year veteran of the Tulsa Police Department with a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern State University. He is the webmaster for www.policedriving.com.
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