What should officers do if they lose visual contact with a fleeing suspect?

When officers lose visual contact with a fleeing suspect, the most appropriate action is to communicate with dispatch and alternate units. This approach ensures that the pursuit is managed effectively and safely. By relaying information to dispatch, officers can inform other law enforcement personnel of the situation, allowing them to assist in locating the suspect without jeopardizing officer safety.

Dispatch can coordinate a wider search, providing vital information to units in the area and possibly setting up containment or alternate routes that could lead to the apprehension of the suspect. This systematic approach not only helps to maintain control of the situation but also reduces the risks associated with blind pursuits, which may compromise public safety and the safety of the officers involved.

Driving faster to catch up without visual contact may lead to dangerous high-speed chases, increasing the risk of accidents. Stopping the pursuit immediately might allow the suspect to escape, while continuing to search the area blindly does not provide an organized effort in locating the suspect. Hence, effective communication is key to managing pursuits even when visual contact is lost.