PIT Maneuver: Key Details in Southeast Side Car Chase
On Tuesday, Border Patrol agents executed a PIT maneuver during a vehicle pursuit on Chicago’s Southeast Side, leading to a crash. The technique, known as Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT), is employed by some law enforcement organizations to halt high-speed chases. However, the maneuver has attracted criticism for its potential dangers and effectiveness.
PIT Maneuver Overview
The PIT maneuver entails an officer’s vehicle matching the speed of a fleeing vehicle and then making contact with its rear quarter panel. The objective is to spin the target vehicle, bringing the chase to a stop. Despite its intended purpose, the PIT maneuver can lead to severe accidents, especially at high speeds, as observed in the recent event in Chicago.
Dangers of the PIT Maneuver
Critics, including legal experts and advocacy groups, highlight significant risks associated with the maneuver. In a recent statement, Lauren Bonds, executive director of the National Police Accountability Project, emphasized the dangers and inadequacy of training for officers conducting PIT. She noted that attempts to stop a vehicle using this technique can result in crashes involving nearby cars, pedestrians, or even the officers themselves.
- At least 30 fatalities and hundreds of injuries occurred from 2016 to 2020 due to police PIT usage.
- Alternatives such as roadblocks and spike strips are considered safer options.
Legal and Procedural Context
The use of the PIT maneuver was developed in the late 20th century. However, many police departments, including Chicago’s, restrict its application. Over 70% of police departments surveyed in 2020 indicated they do not permit this tactic. Where PIT is still in practice, strict guidelines and supervisor approval are often mandatory.
The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board mandates justification is required to utilize forcible stop techniques at speeds exceeding 20 mph, indicating the maneuver’s controversial nature.
Federal Policies and Community Response
Although federal laws governing the use of PIT do not exist, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2007 (Scott v. Harris) allowed for the ramming of suspect vehicles in certain high-speed instances. In 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection had initially banned the PIT maneuver but later reversed this decision, causing further community backlash.
Community members reacted strongly to the agents’ conduct, protesting the use of PIT on the Southeast Side. Many criticized federal enforcement actions as frightening and intimidating toward local residents.
Ed Yohnka, spokesperson for the ACLU of Illinois, expressed concern about the risks of high-speed pursuits to innocent bystanders, stating the actions of federal agents in Chicago exemplified disregard for the local population’s safety.
