U.S. Capitol Police / Federal Law Enforcement Entrance (FLETC programs) Patrol Operations & Officer Skills Syllabus

When should a vehicle pursuit be terminated?

When the risk to public safety outweighs the benefit — e.g., suspect identified for later arrest, hazardous conditions, loss of contact, or a supervisor's order to stop.

What is a rolling roadblock (rolling block) in pursuit management?

A coordinated tactic where multiple police vehicles surround the suspect vehicle and gradually slow to a controlled stop, boxing it in.

What does 'Code 3' driving authorize and require?

Emergency response using both lights and siren; it authorizes exemptions from certain traffic laws but still requires due regard for the safety of others.

What is 'due regard' in emergency driving?

The legal standard requiring an emergency driver to operate so a reasonably careful person, performing similar duties under like circumstances, would act to avoid harm.

What is a stationary roadblock or 'spike strip' (stop stick) used for?

A tire-deflation device deployed across the roadway to deflate the fleeing vehicle's tires gradually and bring it to a controlled stop.

What is understeer, and how does a driver correct it?

When the front tires lose grip and the car pushes wide of the intended turn; correct by easing off the throttle/brake to restore front traction and reducing steering input.

What is oversteer, and how does a driver correct it?

When the rear tires lose grip and the back end slides out; correct by steering into the skid (countersteer) and smoothly easing off the throttle.

What is the friction circle (traction circle) concept in vehicle dynamics?

A tire has a finite total grip shared between braking/acceleration and cornering; using all grip for one (e.g., hard braking) leaves none for turning.

What is weight transfer and how does braking affect it?

The shift of vehicle load between axles during acceleration, braking, or cornering; braking shifts weight forward, loading the front tires and unloading the rear.

What is the difference between a vehicle's center of gravity height and rollover risk?

A higher center of gravity (e.g., SUVs) increases rollover propensity during sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers because lateral forces more easily tip the vehicle.

How does Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) change emergency braking technique?

With ABS the driver applies firm, continuous brake pressure and can still steer — no pumping the pedal — because ABS prevents wheel lockup automatically.

What is total stopping distance composed of?

Perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance — the sum of how far the vehicle travels while the driver sees, reacts, and then brakes to a stop.

As speed doubles, how does braking distance change?

Braking distance roughly quadruples — it increases with the square of speed (proportional to v²), because kinetic energy scales with the square of velocity.

What is the 'SIPDE' process for collision avoidance?

Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute — a defensive-driving cycle to spot hazards early and respond before a collision occurs.

What is the recommended minimum following distance for collision avoidance under normal conditions?

At least a 3-second gap behind the vehicle ahead, increased to 4+ seconds in poor weather, at night, or at high speed.

What is an 'escape path' or 'out' in collision avoidance driving?

A pre-identified open space (shoulder, adjacent lane, gap) the driver can steer into to avoid a sudden hazard rather than only braking.

What does TECC stand for and who is it designed for?

Tactical Emergency Casualty Care — civilian/law-enforcement guidelines (adapted from military TCCC) for medical care during high-threat, active-violence incidents.

What are the three phases of care in TECC?

Direct Threat Care (under fire/threat), Indirect Threat Care (threat suppressed/cover), and Evacuation Care (during transport to higher care).

In TECC, what is the priority intervention during the Direct Threat (hot zone) phase?

Stop life-threatening external hemorrhage — primarily by applying a tourniquet — while moving the casualty to cover; suppress the threat first.

What does the MARCH algorithm stand for in tactical casualty care?

Massive hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, Hypothermia/Head injury — the prioritized order for treating a trauma casualty.

How is a tourniquet correctly applied for life-threatening limb bleeding?

Place 2–3 inches above the wound (not over a joint), tighten until bleeding stops and distal pulse is gone, then note the time of application.

What is the role of hemostatic gauze in field medical response?

It is packed directly into a wound (junctional or where a tourniquet can't be used) to promote rapid clotting, followed by firm direct pressure.

How do you treat a penetrating (sucking) chest wound in the field?

Apply a vented chest seal over the wound to allow air to escape while preventing entry, and monitor for tension pneumothorax.

What are the signs of tension pneumothorax and the field response?

Severe respiratory distress, decreased breath sounds on one side, distended neck veins, tracheal deviation; treat with needle decompression by trained personnel.

What is the field treatment to prevent hypothermia in a trauma casualty?

Minimize exposure, remove wet clothing, insulate the patient from the ground, and cover with blankets/hypothermia wraps — even in warm climates, since shock impairs thermoregulation.

What is the proper hand placement and compression depth for adult CPR?

Heel of the hand on the center of the chest (lower half of the sternum), compress at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep at a rate of 100–120 per minute.

What does the START triage system classify casualties into?

Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment sorts patients into Immediate (red), Delayed (yellow), Minor/walking wounded (green), and Deceased/expectant (black).

What physiological changes occur during the 'fight-or-flight' stress response relevant to officers?

Adrenaline/cortisol surge, increased heart rate and blood pressure, tunnel vision, auditory exclusion, and reduced fine-motor control.

What is cumulative (chronic) stress and why is it a concern for officers' health?

The buildup of unresolved stress over time, contributing to burnout, cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, PTSD, and elevated suicide risk in law enforcement.

What are recognized resilience strategies that help officers manage operational stress?

Tactical/combat breathing, regular physical fitness, adequate sleep, peer support programs, critical-incident debriefings, and professional mental-health resources.

What is 'combat (tactical) breathing' and how is it performed?

A controlled breathing technique to lower arousal: inhale 4 counts, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4 — repeated to reduce heart rate and restore focus under stress.