Under which circumstances does the concept of "Hot Pursuit" apply?

The concept of "Hot Pursuit" applies primarily when an officer has probable cause to believe that a suspect has committed a felony. This legal principle allows law enforcement to pursue a fleeing suspect without a warrant, under specific circumstances, so long as the pursuit is immediate and continuous.

The rationale behind this provision is rooted in the need for swift action to prevent the suspect from evading arrest or potentially committing further crimes. The urgency of the situation necessitates that officers act quickly when they have reasonable grounds to believe a serious crime has occurred, which justifies the pursuit of the individual involved.

In the context of law enforcement, being in hot pursuit enables officers to maintain the integrity of the criminal justice system by ensuring that individuals suspected of serious offenses are apprehended without unnecessary delays, thereby reducing the risk that they could escape justice. This concept is reinforced by various legal precedents that recognize the need for flexibility in enforcement in the face of ongoing criminal activity, especially regarding felonies, which generally warrant more serious and immediate intervention.