DPS releases Oklahoma Highway Patrol pursuit policy

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety released to the public the department's general order regarding vehicular pursuit operations on Wednesday. This general order contains the policy and procedures for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to follow on the occasions when troopers engage in vehicular pursuits. DPS recognizes the inherent risks involved when a violator fails to yield to law enforcement and a pursuit is initiated. The procedures contained in the Oklahoma Highway Patrol General Order were developed with the safety of the public, the trooper and the violator in mind and provides guidance to troopers on occasions when violators refuse to yield. The policy requires troopers and supervisors to constantly evaluate the risk of the situation and to make appropriate decisions regarding continuation or discontinuation of the pursuit. DPS Commissioner John Scully decided to release the pursuit policy because transparency is a high priority for the agency's administration. A link can be found on the Oklahoma Highway Patrol website at http://www.ohptroopers.com/ohp-pursuit-policy.html.