Tire Deflation Devices
Police Pursuits are one of the most dangerous acts a LE officer performs. Not only is the danger high for the officer and suspect, citizens are also at great risk. One of the most effective and practical tools to decrease the danger of police pursuits is the use of tire deflation devices.
There are several companies manufacturing tire deflation devices. The general premise is similar with each of them. Spikes are set within a unit and manually controlled with a string or cord by the officer.
As with any LE equipment, the success of tire deflation devices depends on their proper and safe deployment. If not used correctly, these devices can create additional dangers for LE officers.
Training is imperative when the devices are issued, and updates should continue on a regular basis. There are three steps to the usage of these devices: Location, deployment and retrieval.
Location
Tire deflation devices should only be used on vehicles with four or more tires. To successfully deploy them, the officer must have knowledge on where the suspect vehicle is going to flee. This can be difficult in an urban environment, which is why it is important that every officer in a LE agency have tire deflation devices. Rapid deployment is important. This should be a major factor when deciding what devices to purchase, and regular training should assist the officer as well. To ensure safety, the officer must choose the location for deployment very carefully. These locations should be chosen well ahead of an actual pursuit.
While on routine patrol, officers should identify locations that afford the highest degree of cover, protection, concealment and element of surprise. The location should be selected well ahead of the suspect vehicle. If possible, select a location that restricts the fleeing vehicle’s path. Natural barriers such as bridge abutments, overpass pillars, trees, shrubbery or guardrails are ideal. This prevents the fleeing vehicle from taking evasive action to avoid the tire spikes and offers some degree of protection and concealment to the officer. A pursuit alone shows extreme desperation on the part of the suspect.
In recent years, several officers have been killed or critically injured during deployment. Officers should take every precaution to ensure that the suspect doesn’t attempt to assault them with their vehicle.
Deployment
Once the location is selected, the actual deployment will determine the success of the device. If an officer feels too rushed or observes the suspect, it is too late for deployment. If an officer can see the suspect, then they can see the officer. This is very dangerous and gives the suspect ample time to avoid the deflation devices or attempt to run over a LE officer. Another opportunity for deployment will likely arise. The officer should never stand in the roadway during deployment. Traffic conditions must be suitable for safe deployment. Officers should avoid deployment in areas of population or road construction. Steep embankments, curves or hills that may hamper the officer’s vision to traffic or the suspect vehicle should also be avoided.
If it safe to deploy the device, it is ideal for officers to utilize the element of surprise. The deployment site should be concealed and done in a covert fashion. The officer should notify all of the involved officers of the location of deployment and where the device is positioned. Pursuing officers must back further away from the suspect in order to avoid striking the deflation device. During deployment, officers should keep the string or cord low to the ground and avoid wrapping it in their hand. Officers should retain concealment and get as far from the roadway as possible.
Retrieval
Although deployment of the tire deflation device is the most dangerous step, every precaution should be given to the retrieval. Retrieval should only be done when it is absolutely safe to do so. It is never an option to step in the roadway and around traffic. Retrieval should occur outside of the traffic lanes and away from the roadway. If maintenance is required on the devices, it should be done later in a safe and convenient location.
Conclusion
Tire deflation devices may be simple and sometimes crude in design, but they remain one of the most popular and effective methods to reducing the dangers of police pursuits. When utilized properly, tire deflation devices are highly effective. It is important to remember that they will slow a vehicle by causing a controlled deflation of the suspect vehicle’s tires. The suspect may continue to drive reckless, but, with limited speeds, safety to the public and the officers are greatly enhanced.
Additional Resources:
http://www.fedsig.com/industry_solutions/law_enforcement/stinger.php
http://www.mobiledeploymentsystems.com/
