Arkansas State Police See Decline in Pursuits, Address Controversial PIT Maneuvers

Arkansas State Police (ASP) Director Col. Mike Hagar recently reported a 29% decrease in vehicle pursuits between 2023 and 2025, attributing the decline to stricter laws regarding fleeing from law enforcement and an increase in the number of state troopers. This update comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the ASP’s use of Tactical Vehicle Interventions (TVIs), commonly known as PIT maneuvers, which have been the subject of public debate and legislative review.

Fewer Pursuits, But Continued Controversy

According to Col. Hagar, the ASP engaged in approximately 651 pursuits in 2023, a figure that decreased to 461 in 2025. This reduction is linked to Act 734, passed in 2023, which elevated fleeing from police to a felony, and the addition of 120 troopers to the force. Hagar emphasized that fewer pursuits translate to fewer opportunities for injury or death to civilians, officers, and suspects.

Despite the decline in pursuits, TVIs remain a contentious issue. Proponents argue they are a necessary tool to quickly finish dangerous chases, while critics raise concerns about the potential for serious harm or fatalities.

Recent Incidents and Accountability

The discussion surrounding TVIs was recently amplified by an incident in which an ASP trooper mistakenly performed a PIT maneuver on an innocent family’s vehicle. Hagar described the incident as “inexcusable” and stated that the trooper involved was immediately terminated. Fortunately, the occupants of the vehicle – a man, woman, and child – were unharmed.

Hagar acknowledged that such errors, while rare (less than 0.01%), can occur due to the inherent fallibility of human judgment. He stated that the ASP immediately contacted the affected family following the incident.

Public Awareness and Safety Concerns

Col. Hagar also addressed the growing public interest in ASP pursuits, fueled by the popularity of dashcam footage on platforms like YouTube. He cautioned viewers to remember the risks posed to innocent bystanders during these chases, noting that the focus often remains solely on the actions of the trooper and suspect.

The ASP reports that the central, east, and Northwest regions of Arkansas are currently experiencing the highest number of TVIs.

PIT Maneuvers: A Shifting Lexicon

The Arkansas State Police have updated the terminology used to describe these maneuvers, now referring to them as “Tactical Vehicle Interventions” (TVIs) instead of “PIT maneuvers.” Regardless of the name, these interventions involve intentionally ramming a patrol vehicle into a fleeing suspect vehicle to bring it to a stop.