Under which circumstance is a police officer liable for pursuit during minor violations?

A police officer can be held liable for pursuit during minor violations if they fail to check for clear traffic before proceeding through a red light. This emphasizes the fundamental principle that even while performing their duties, officers must uphold safety and adhere to traffic regulations. The act of running a red light without ensuring it is safe could lead to accidents, potentially resulting in injury to the officer, other road users, or bystanders.

In this context, the key issue is that the officer's failure to ensure the safety of the pursuit can be viewed as negligence, irrespective of the minor nature of the initial violation that prompted the pursuit. The expectation is for officers to balance law enforcement duties with public safety, and neglecting to confirm clear traffic showcases a disregard for that balance, thereby creating potential liability.

Other circumstances, such as being in a high-speed chase, responding to an emergency call, or the violation warranting immediate arrest, often carry different legal standards and considerations that can justify or mitigate liability in pursuit situations. However, the failure to ensure it is safe to proceed through a red light highlights a direct risk created by the officer's decision, resulting in a clearer basis for liability.