New NYPD Policy Will Ban High-Speed Pursuits For Low-Level Offenses

NEW YORK CITY — The NYPD is changing its policy when it comes to high-speed vehicle pursuits after a quarter of those pursuits resulted in some combination of a collision, property damage, or physical harm last year.

In 2024, there were 2,278 vehicle pursuits. 67% of pursuits were the result of a fled car stop, many of which would no longer be authorized under the new policy.

The new policy will go into effect on Feb. 1 and will limit vehicle pursuits to serious and dangerous crimes. Pursuits will not be allowed for traffic infractions, violations, or non-violent misdemeanors.

“New York is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, and our officers deserve clear guidance and smart protocols when determining whether to engage in a vehicle pursuit on our streets,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “The NYPD’s enforcement efforts must never put the public or the police at undue risk, and pursuits for violations and low-level crimes can be both potentially dangerous and unnecessary. The advanced tools of modern-day policing make it possible to apprehend criminals more safely and effectively than ever before, making many pursuits unnecessary. Now, our cops will have clear, unambiguous parameters for when to initiate, continue, and terminate these pursuits. This new policy will also expand supervision over such pursuits and require more detailed and timely documentation when these pursuits occur. These key changes will make both the police and the public safer and further improve the NYPD’s service to the city.”

Other changes to the NYPD’s vehicle pursuit policy include:

• Discretion will be guided by the location of the pursuit and whether it is in a residential community or near a school or playground.
• Additional responsibilities placed on supervisors to actively monitor and manage the pursuit, such as actively monitoring the speed of the pursuits and requesting specialized units to assist if needed.
• Officers will not be the subject of criticism or disciplinary action if they terminate the pursuit because they do not believe it can be continued safely.
• New technological enhancements to improve record-keeping and increase compliance.
• Monthly review of vehicle pursuits to ensure policies have been followed and identify improvements that need to be made.
• Mandated academy training and an annual report on the policy and reporting procedures.

“Our overarching objective—every minute of every day—is to keep the people of this great city safe,” said Chief of Department John Chell. “In order to do that, we need to pursue criminals when appropriate and stay our hand when the risks to the public and to our cops outweigh the benefits. Our revised policy strikes that critical balance and will make our city safer for police and our communities.”