Supervisory oversight is crucial from the moment the pursuit starts until the offender either gives up, runs out of gas, outruns the pursuing officers, or crashes. First-line supervisors need to assume a proactive leadership role by actively managing police pursuits to minimize the chances of a disastrous pursuit. Otherwise, the officers in the pursuit may make decisions based on a rush of adrenaline and may overlook public safety. The patrol supervisor must be thoroughly familiar with the police agency's pursuit policy. The policy needs to be clear and concise. Supervisors should also discuss the shift with patrol officers and answer questions related to the police. The patrol supervisor who is monitoring a pursuit must perform the dual role of a manager and an objective and neutral third party by avoiding direct participation in the actual pursuit. Among the decisions to make are whether to add or reduce squads, whether to request air support, and whether to use deadly force such as ramming or roadblocks. Factors to consider include the type of known offense, the speed and mechanical condition of the vehicles, the weather and road conditions, the driving behavior of the pursued car, the presence of pedestrians, and traffic conditions. The patrol supervisor and police officers involved in the pursuit should review and critique each pursuit. This review should be both frank and informal. Appropriate handling of pursuits will avoid tragedies, lawsuits, and unwanted and restrictive legislation. Photograph and 6 references