When a driver suspected of kidnapping flees, what is your first course of action?

The first course of action when a driver suspected of kidnapping flees is to follow the vehicle closely. Maintaining visual contact with the fleeing vehicle is crucial because it allows you to monitor the suspect's movements and behavior. This information is vital for situational awareness and can assist in coordinating a safe apprehension strategy with other units.

Following the vehicle closely can also provide critical information about the driver’s intent. For instance, if the suspect makes erratic movements or attempts to evade capture, this information can be communicated to dispatch and other responding officers to set up a containment strategy or prepare for a safe intercept.

In situations involving potential kidnapping, the priority is often to locate and protect the victim. Following the suspect allows law enforcement to track the situation while ensuring that backup support can arrive in time to assist.

While other options like calling for air support or blocking traffic may become viable later in the pursuit, those actions typically follow an initial attempt to maintain visual contact. Returning to the patrol car would hinder your ability to assess and respond to the evolving situation effectively.