What are most officers sued for pertaining to pursuits?

• A. Overdriving, breach of policy, and improper pursuit conduct
• B. Maintaining safe distance
• C. Following policy
• D. Using sirens

Answer: (A)

In pursuits, the lawsuits most often arise from driving decisions that create unnecessary risk: speeding beyond safe limits, violating department rules, and engaging in tactics that are considered improper or reckless. Overdriving means choosing speeds or distances that make it impossible to stop safely within the line of sight and road conditions, which drastically increases the chance of a crash and injuries. Breach of policy points to failing to follow established pursuit guidelines, a common basis for negligence claims because it shows a disregard for the rules designed to protect the public and officers. Improper pursuit conduct covers a range of risky behaviors—reckless maneuvers, continuing the chase when it isn’t warranted, or using aggressive tactics—that courts view as negligent or harmful.

That’s why this option is best: it directly targets the actions that most frequently lead to civil suits after pursuits. Maintaining a safe distance and following policy are protective practices that reduce liability rather than cause it, and using sirens, while part of pursuit techniques, is not typically the primary driver of lawsuits compared to the combination of excessive speed, policy violations, and dangerous pursuit conduct.