North Carolina Correctional Officer State Practice Exam

Which of the following describes "hot pursuit"?

1. A slow approach when engaging a suspect

2. Initiating a chase based on immediate threat

3. Chasing someone for minor offenses

4. Waiting for backup before pursuing

The correct answer is: Initiating a chase based on immediate threat

The concept of "hot pursuit" refers to a situation where law enforcement officers are in active and immediate engagement with a suspect who poses an imminent threat to themselves, others, or an ongoing crime. This definition underscores the urgency and necessity of swiftly pursuing a suspect to prevent further crime or danger. When officers are in "hot pursuit," they are not delaying their action but instead acting on an immediate need to apprehend a suspect, often due to their involvement in serious offenses or fleeing from a crime scene. In this context, pursuing a suspect based on an immediate threat aligns perfectly with the principles of "hot pursuit," emphasizing the critical balance between public safety and law enforcement action. The other options do not convey the immediacy or the seriousness of the context that "hot pursuit" requires, as they either suggest a lack of urgency or a response to inconsequential matters.