If a motorcycle or car is observed by police officers traveling at extremely high speeds, such as 200+ mph, they would typically take immediate action to address the situation. Here are the general steps they might follow:
Radio Dispatch: The officers would immediately notify their dispatch center of the situation, providing details about the speeding vehicle, its direction, and the current location. This information helps other units in the area to be aware and potentially join the pursuit if necessary.
Pursuit Initiation: Depending on the specific policies and protocols of the police department, officers may choose to initiate a pursuit to apprehend the speeding vehicle. However, at such high speeds, it is crucial for officers to assess the safety risks involved.
Traffic Control: The officers would attempt to clear the area ahead of the speeding vehicle to minimize the risk to other motorists and pedestrians. They may request assistance from other units or employ measures like roadblocks or traffic diversions to mitigate potential dangers.
Air Support: In some cases, police departments may have access to helicopter units that can provide aerial surveillance and support during high-speed pursuits. The helicopter crew can relay real-time information about the vehicle's location and help coordinate ground units.
Communication and Coordination: Police officers involved in the pursuit would maintain constant communication with each other and their dispatch center, providing updates on the location and behavior of the speeding vehicle. This coordination helps ensure a more effective and safer response.
Assessment of Risks: Officers need to continually evaluate the risks associated with the pursuit, considering factors such as traffic conditions, road quality, weather, and the behavior of the suspect. If the risks outweigh the potential benefits, they may decide to discontinue the pursuit and instead focus on gathering information for later investigation.
Containment and Apprehension: If the pursuit continues, officers may attempt to coordinate their efforts to box in or contain the speeding vehicle, reducing its ability to evade capture. Specialized units or techniques like spike strips may be employed to disable the vehicle safely.
It's important to note that the specific actions taken by police officers in response to high-speed vehicles can vary depending on jurisdiction, department policies, available resources, and the circumstances of each individual situation. Safety considerations for both the officers and the public are always a primary concern.