What is a tire deflation device used for in a pursuit situation?

A tire deflation device is specifically designed to slow down a fleeing suspect's vehicle by puncturing the tires as the vehicle drives over it. This device works by creating a controlled deflation of the tires, which ultimately reduces the speed of the vehicle without causing a sudden or dangerous loss of control. The primary goal in a pursuit situation is to safely and effectively stop the suspect’s vehicle while minimizing risk to both officers and the public.

This tool is an important tactic in law enforcement as it allows officers to intervene in a pursuit without engaging in high-speed chases that can lead to dangerous situations. In contrast, increasing the speed of the pursuing vehicle could create even more risk, and preventing damage to the vehicle is not the primary purpose of the device. Additionally, signaling the end of the pursuit does not align with the functionality of a tire deflation device; its role is about incapacitating the suspect's vehicle rather than ending the chase.