
This California police chase ends without injury. ©2009 Dan Dawson
Four law enforcement officers have been killed this year while trying to deploy spike strips (aka Stop Sticks) during a vehicle chase. We’ve talked about spike strips and police officer deaths previously, and have offered some suggestions on the safe deployment of the devices.
Dale Stockton of Law Officer magazine offers eight safety tips for spike strip deployment. One of his suggestions is one that I know I previously left out: practice.
As with any action we take in law enforcement, practice is second only to experience in producing the desired results. This holds true for courtroom testimony, witness interviews, handcuffing and using spike strips to terminate a pursuit.