To stay in a position of advantage during a pursuit, you should position your vehicle slightly to the ______ of the suspect vehicle.

• A. Left
• B. Right
• C. Ahead
• D. Behind

Answer: (A)

Positioning during a pursuit is about maintaining an advantageous angle to monitor and control the suspect’s movements. Placing your patrol car slightly to the left of the suspect puts you in the left rear quadrant, which gives you a better view of the suspect’s rear tires and their lane choices. This angle helps you anticipate changes, prevent the suspect from slipping past on your inside, and position you for a safer intervention if needed. Being on the left also keeps you closer to the inside of the lane, making it harder for the suspect to maneuver into your path or into oncoming traffic.

Being to the right could allow the suspect to shift to your passenger side and squeeze between you and traffic; being ahead removes your ability to influence the immediate path and braking points of the pursuit; being behind reduces your reaction time and control.