Who has the authority to call off a police pursuit?

A Supervisor has the authority to call off a police pursuit due to their position and responsibilities within the department's chain of command. Supervisors are trained to assess the situation and evaluate the dangers associated with a pursuit. They can make informed decisions based on the safety of the officers involved, the suspect, and the public.

In high-stress scenarios like police pursuits, it is essential to have a central figure with the authority to make rapid decisions that ensure public safety. Supervisors are usually more experienced, have a broader understanding of departmental policy, and can weigh the risks and benefits more effectively than patrol officers or dispatchers.

While a Chief of Police can ultimately have control over policy decisions and potentially intervene in high-level pursuits, they are not usually the ones directly managing ongoing situations. Dispatchers assist officers from a communication standpoint but lack the authority to make tactical decisions about pursuits. Thus, the role of a Supervisor is critical in keeping pursuit operations within safe and procedural guidelines.