TpacSafe stop tactics Tactical pursuit and containment (TPAC) is a term widely used by police in the United Kingdom and one which describes a range of measures for managing and terminating pursuits:
- Boxing: Several police vehicles position around the pursued vehicle, bringing it to a slow and gradual stop by boxing the target vehicle in on all sides.
- Spike strip or stinger: This method is employed if boxing would be difficult due to the speed or aggressive driving of the target vehicle. A hollow spike tyre deflation device is placed across the road in front of the target vehicle to deflate its tyres. This can safely stop even a fast-moving vehicle, as the hollow spikes allow a controlled deflation to the tyres. This is also known as a hollow spiked tyre deflation system (HoSTyDS) and commonly referred to by the brand name Stinger.
- Tactical contact: This method is only used if there is an immediate danger to life, and if it would be inappropriate to break off the pursuit. Tactical contact involves a police car hitting the back end of the target vehicle, in the hope that it will spin around and lose traction. It is similar to the PIT manoeuvre.
- Static stop: As a last resort, police cars can block off a road in the hope that it would force the vehicle to stop. This tactic requires authorisation from an officer of the rank Inspector or above, as it may cause damage to police vehicles and injury to officers.
- Road block: In extreme circumstances, a Chief Constable may authorise the total closure of a road by placing immovable objects or non-police vehicles in the target vehicle's path, causing it to stop or change direction. This tactic is rarely used due to the high risk involved.
- Pit manoeuvre: The PIT begins when the pursuing vehicle pulls alongside the fleeing vehicle so that the portion of the pursuer's vehicle forward of the front wheels is aligned with the portion of the target vehicle behind the back wheels. The pursuer gently makes contact with the target's side, then steers sharply into the target. As soon as the fleeing vehicle's rear tires lose traction and start to skid, the pursuer continues to turn in the same direction until clear of the target. This is more of a committed lane change than an actual turn. The target will turn in the opposite direction, in front of the pursuer, and will spin out. Typically, another police car will tail the PIT unit to proceed with the arrest, while the PIT unit recovers its own control and completely stops the car.