By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The Milwaukee Police Department updated its foot pursuit policy to tighten guidelines on when officers may chase a fleeing suspect on foot.
• The revised policy requires officers to have articulable reasonable suspicion that a crime has occurred and to continuously assess risk during a pursuit.
• Officers must immediately end pursuits if conditions become unsafe or if ordered to do so by a supervisor.
• The new guidelines also encourage alternative tactics such as containment, canine units, and aerial support.
MILWAUKEE, WI — The Milwaukee Police Department has implemented a revised foot pursuit policy that establishes stricter criteria for when officers can chase a fleeing suspect on foot, officials said.
Under the policy issued April 16 by Chief Jeffrey B. Norman, officers may not pursue individuals solely because they flee; instead, they must have articulable reasonable suspicion that the person committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime.
The department’s guidance requires officers to continuously assess the risk to themselves, suspects and bystanders throughout a pursuit and to immediately terminate the chase if directed by a supervisor or if conditions become unsafe.
The updated policy also emphasizes considering alternative tactics to direct pursuit, including perimeter containment, canine support and aerial resources, when appropriate.
The Milwaukee Police Department said the changes aim to balance public and officer safety with effective enforcement, though detailed outcomes or timelines for review were not immediately provided.