The PIT Maneuver: Vehicular Precision Immobilization Technique

The Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) is used by law enforcement and silent professionals to immobilize and halt fleeing vehicles during high-speed pursuits. Developed in Germany and later adopted by police departments then intelligence and military agencies around the world, the PIT maneuver is highly effective in ending vehicle pursuits swiftly and safely when employed properly.

Also known as tactical vehicle intervention (TVI), the PIT maneuver is a pursuit tactic by which a pursuing car can force a fleeing car to abruptly turn sideways, causing the driver to lose control and stop. This involves the pursuing (police) vehicle making contact with the fleeing vehicle’s rear quarter, near the taillight.

By maintaining this contact while simultaneously performing a quick turn, the officer / pursuing driver can make the fleeing vehicle spin out and come to a stop – while minimizing collateral damage and risk to bodily harm.

          Vehicular Precision Immobilization Technique Purpose

High-speed chases pose a significant danger to officers, professionals, suspects, and innocent bystanders. The PIT maneuver serves as an effective technique to end these pursuits quickly, mitigating the potential risk. It’s typically used when other non-contact methods to stop the fleeing vehicle, such as tire deflation devices or communication attempts, have failed or are not applicable.

However, it’s important to note that the use of the PIT maneuver is typically reserved for situations where the fleeing suspect presents a significant immediate threat to public safety, given the inherent risks involved in physically contacting the fleeing vehicle.

          Executing The PIT Maneuver

The implementation of the PIT maneuver is highly calculated, requiring precise timing and control – despite the relatively simple physics of its process. The following steps outline the typical execution of a PIT maneuver:

Step 1)     Positioning

Step 2)     Contact

Step 3)     Turning

Step 4)     Stopping

          Identifying a PIT Maneuver

Identifying an impending PIT maneuver is challenging due to its quick execution, but certain signs may indicate it’s about to be executed against you:

Close Pursuit

The pursuing vehicle maintains a continuously close distance and appears to be aligning with your vehicle’s rear quarter, indicating a potential setup for the PIT maneuver.

Reduced Speed

While the PIT maneuver can technically be performed at various speeds, it’s safer and more controlled at lower speeds. Therefore, if you notice your vehicle and pursuing vehicle reducing speed while maintaining close proximity, this could suggest a PIT maneuver is imminent.

Backup Units

The PIT maneuver may require a coordinated effort and often necessitates the presence of additional pursuing units to assist once the suspect vehicle is stopped. Therefore, multiple pursuing vehicles participating in the pursuit might signal an impending PIT maneuver.

          PIT Maneuver Countermeasures

If a PIT maneuver or a similar tactic is attempted against you and your vehicle, several potential counter/defensive measures might be employed, although the specifics would depend on the exact situation and your judgment.

Maintain Control

Change Speed

Abrupt Turns

Use Obstacles

Maneuverability

Reinforcements

The PIT maneuver is an important tool in the arsenal of modern law enforcement and intelligence agencies. It allows professionals to stop high-speed pursuits more swiftly and safely than would otherwise be possible.

Though the maneuver may seem aggressive, it’s a calculated technique designed to mitigate the inherent risks of high-speed chases. This demonstrates how tactical innovation can improve safety and effectiveness in such operations.