Training Tuesdays: Pursuit scenarios

First posted on January 27, 2026

This Training Tuesday focuses on pursuit scenarios, which teach RCMP Cadets what to do if a person flees by vehicle from police. These take place on the track at Depot. Three key elements practiced in pursuit scenarios are continuous risk assessment, addressing the National Emergency Vehicle Operation (EVO) policy, and communicating with dispatch.

Just like in the field, it starts when dispatch sends a radio call to the cadet’s car to be on the lookout for a vehicle matching a certain description. This vehicle eventually drives past, and the cadet must attempt to conduct a traffic stop. After stopping briefly, the vehicle speeds away from the police car.

Before engaging in a pursuit, the cadet must perform a risk assessment using the RCMP Incident Management Intervention Model (IMIM) and apply the National RCMP EVO Policy. The policy states that a pursuit is only appropriate if the suspect in the vehicle presents a serious risk to public safety; for example, violent crime, weapons offence or impaired driving causing danger.

If a pursuit is initiated, police officers must keep assessing risk as an event unfolds, using the IMIM decision-making framework. A pursuit in progress, can and will be ended in the event the risk to public or police safety becomes too high. 

Another key element is communicating with dispatch while driving. Cadets practice relaying information via radio about weather conditions, pedestrian presence, direction of travel, location and speed all while driving. Driving scenarios provide a realistic learning environment for cadets to practice safe and effective handling of a police vehicle in high-stress situations.