The Officer Safety and Wellness team at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has completed an in-depth examination of law enforcement fatalities linked to the use of tire deflation devices, also known as “spike strips.” 

Encompassing 10 years of fatalities and injuries, the report highlights the risks taken by many officers as they attempt to stop fleeing suspects by placing deflation devices directly into the path of an oncoming vehicle. 

This brief report emphasizes the importance of proper use and deployment of these devices to safely end pursuits and to reduce the risks many officers take when trying to quickly deploy them. It concludes with recommendations for best practices to improve officer safety. 

Please click here to read the full report: Tire Deflation Devices Risk Versus Reward.