Police Maneuver Known as the PIT

One of the most famous police tactics is the PIT Maneuver. It is featured in police shows, movies, and even in Looney Tunes episodes where Bugs Bunny becomes a cop. If you watch the news, you will likely see reports of local police using this technique.

The PIT stands for Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) and involves a police officer using their squad car to push the rear of a fleeing vehicle, causing it to spin out of control. Introduced in the 1980s, this technique has been used worldwide by law enforcement to stop dangerous pursuits.

Although effective, the PIT Maneuver is risky for everyone involved, including the fleeing suspect, bystanders, and the police officers attempting the stop.

In a recent incident captured by the Florida Highway Patrol, a heavily modified Can-Am Maverick X3 Max was PIT maneuvered by a police officer. While the situation was resolved without major incident, the potential for disaster was high. Performing a PIT maneuver on a side-by-side vehicle is particularly dangerous.

According to NBC 6 Miami, the incident began when law enforcement responded to reports of side-by-sides causing trouble on the streets. One of the vehicles allegedly struck an officer before fleeing the scene.

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including FHP, Coral Gables Police, and the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, were involved in the pursuit. The chase ended when the Florida Highway Patrol successfully stopped the fleeing Can-Am Maverick X3 Max by using a PIT maneuver.

The suspect was charged with attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery on an officer, and aggravated fleeing and eluding after an accident. This incident highlights the dangers associated with the PIT maneuver and the need for caution when using it.

The PIT maneuver is only effective at speeds under 20 MPH, and conducting it at higher speeds can have deadly consequences for all parties involved. Some states classify the PIT as an intermediate force option, while others consider it deadly force due to its potential for fatal outcomes.

According to The Washington Post, at least 30 people have died and hundreds have been injured, including officers, as a result of police using the PIT maneuver from 2016 to 2020. Given the risks involved, especially with vehicles like side-by-sides, the use of the PIT maneuver should be carefully considered in each situation.