The bill S. 8 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 23-23-170, which establishes guidelines for law enforcement officers regarding vehicular pursuits. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Training Council is tasked with creating policies, procedures, and training courses that dictate the circumstances under which officers may engage in such pursuits. Key conditions include having probable cause for violent crimes or sex offenses, reasonable suspicion of DUI offenses, the necessity of the pursuit for identification or apprehension, and the presence of an imminent threat to public safety. Additionally, officers must obtain authorization from a supervising officer, who must evaluate various safety considerations before allowing the pursuit to continue.

The bill also outlines specific protocols for jurisdictions with fewer than ten commissioned officers, requiring them to notify an on-call supervisor if one is not on duty. It mandates compliance with agency procedures for designating pursuit vehicles and coordinating with other jurisdictions. Furthermore, it restricts officers from firing weapons at moving vehicles unless there is an imminent threat of serious physical harm. The definition of "vehicular pursuit" is clarified to include situations where a driver appears aware of an officer's attempt to stop them but actively resists. This legislation is set to take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 23-23-170
Latest Version: 23-23-170