Under what condition should you set a perimeter during a foot pursuit?

• A. Always necessary regardless of safety.
• B. Only when backup is unavailable.
• C. Only after a formal order.
• D. If safe.

Answer: (D)

Setting a perimeter is a risk-based decision in a foot pursuit. The goal of a perimeter is to contain the suspect and prevent escape, protect bystanders, and organize the pursuit, but it should only be done if it can be done without creating additional danger. When conditions are safe—clear sight lines, sufficient personnel, reasonable traffic, and no immediate threats to officers or the public—you can establish a containment area to control routes of escape and coordinate responders. If conditions are unsafe—dense traffic, a dangerous environment, or active threats—the priority is to maintain safe pursuit and safety first, and containment should wait until it can be done without increasing risk.