Arkansas State Police Pursuits and PIT Maneuvers on the Rise
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas State Police (ASP) have seen a significant increase in vehicle pursuits and Precision Immobilization Techniques (PIT) maneuvers from January 2016 to December 2025.
A review of pursuit data shows that in 2024, Arkansas troopers engaged in 559 pursuits, resulting in 265 PIT maneuvers—47% of all pursuits, marking a notable increase. In 2016, there were 291 pursuits with 32 resulting in PIT maneuvers. Injuries among officers, suspects, and civilians have also risen; the ASP reported six fatalities in 2024 alone.
Authorities stated that troopers conducted over a quarter of pursuits with PIT maneuvers in 2020. However, the number of pursuits decreased to 432 in 2025, though over 50% of those resulted in PIT techniques.
ASP Colonel Mike Hagar, appointed in January 2023, attributed a previous decline in pursuits to a new law classifying fleeing police as a felony. However, data discrepancies have emerged. Hagar's statements, based on up-to-date reports, contrasted with monthly pursuit reports from the ASP.
Critics question the safety and necessity of PIT maneuvers, which are described by the U.S. Department of Justice as high-risk tactics. While ASP officials maintain that these maneuvers are the safest method for ending chases, law enforcement agencies across the country have increasingly moved away from such practices due to associated dangers.
Recent incidents of mistaken PIT maneuvers targeting innocent drivers have raised further concerns, with two officers dismissed for executing PITs on wrong vehicles. The ASP continues to emphasize that pursuing vehicle suspects is crucial for public safety.
Arkansas's handling of collateral damage from PIT maneuvers offers little recourse for innocent victims, who are often advised to seek damages from fleeing suspects' insurance or the state claims commission.
The Arkansas State Police did not provide additional comment in time for publication.