Civil Service Supervisor Practice Exam

A vehicle pursuit can be authorized when an officer has reasonable suspicion that a felony has been committed. This is because the potential risks and hazards associated with a vehicle pursuit necessitate a higher threshold of justification—felonies typically involve more severe implications for public safety compared to minor offenses or non-emergency situations.

When an officer suspects involvement in a felony, there is often an immediate need to apprehend a suspect to prevent further harm or danger to the community. Reasonable suspicion, as a legal standard, allows officers to take action based on specific and articulable facts, making it appropriate for authorizing a chase in serious scenarios where the threat is considerable.

In contrast, a strong suspicion of a minor offense may not justify the dangers faced during a vehicle pursuit. Multiple complaints about a vehicle might not contain sufficient legal grounding to initiate a pursuit, as they don't inherently indicate a felony. Lastly, responding to a non-emergency call does not provide the urgency or necessity for pursuit and does not typically involve a criminal element warranting such action.