HEAT Unit Policy

Purpose

The Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) exists to provide specialized pursuit support for situations involving high-performance vehicles or other incidents where additional pursuit capabilities are reasonably necessary. HEAT vehicles are not intended to replace standard patrol units and should only be utilized when their capabilities are warranted.

Certification Requirements

• Officers must possess a valid HEAT Certification before operating a HEAT vehicle while on duty.

• HEAT-certified officers are expected to maintain proficiency in department pursuit tactics and emergency vehicle operations.

• Supervisors may suspend or revoke an officer's authorization to operate a HEAT vehicle if they determine the officer is operating outside department policy.

Authorized Deployment

HEAT vehicles may only be deployed under the following circumstances:

• Pursuits involving sports cars, supercars, hypercars, motorcycles, or other high-performance vehicles.

• Incidents where officers have prior knowledge that a HEAT vehicle will likely be necessary due to the suspect vehicle's capabilities.

• Other situations specifically authorized by a Supervisor or High Command.

Pursuit Ratio

To maintain balanced pursuit operations, the following ratio shall be observed whenever practical:

• 2 Regular Patrol Cruisers : 1 HEAT Vehicle

Examples

• 2 Patrol Cruisers = 1 HEAT Vehicle

• 4 Patrol Cruisers = Up to 2 HEAT Vehicles

• 6 Patrol Cruisers = Up to 3 HEAT Vehicles

This ratio ensures that pursuits remain patrol-led while allowing HEAT units to provide specialized support.

Primary Responsibility

When a HEAT vehicle is present during an authorized pursuit:

• HEAT units should assume the primary pursuit position whenever practical.

• Standard patrol units should continue providing containment, communications, intersections, and perimeter support.

• HEAT units remain subject to all department pursuit policies and supervisor direction.

Restrictions

HEAT vehicles shall not:

• Be used simply because they are faster than a patrol cruiser.

• Circumvent department pursuit policies or use-of-force standards.

• Exceed the authorized HEAT ratio without supervisory approval.

Supervisor Authority

Supervisors may:

• Approve or deny HEAT deployment.

• Remove HEAT units from a pursuit when they are no longer necessary.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in suspension or removal of HEAT certification and/or disciplinary action in accordance with department policy.