Who controls all pursuits?

• A. Police National Computer
• B. Local council emergency desk
• C. Public communications office
• D. Force control room

Answer: (D)

The ability to authorise and manage a pursuit sits with the Force Control Room, the force’s central command and control hub. They take the initial call, continuously assess risk, coordinate officer units in real time, and decide whether to continue or terminate the pursuit to protect the public and officers. They can deploy additional resources, adjust tactics, and maintain communications across the team, ensuring policy and safety criteria are applied throughout. The Police National Computer provides data checks but not live control of operations; a local council emergency desk handles civil emergencies, not police pursuits; and the public communications office manages media and public information, not the tactical direction of a pursuit.