ABBEVILLE, Ala. (WDNews) — All personnel in the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, Investigations Division and SPADE Unit are now certified in the Precision Immobilization Technique, according to the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff Eric “EB” Blankenship credited Dothan Police Chief Will Benny and the Dothan Police Department with helping train and certify the personnel.
The PIT maneuver is a technique designed to bring a fleeing vehicle to a controlled stop under appropriate conditions. According to the sheriff’s office, trained officers can use it to shorten dangerous pursuits and potentially prevent serious injuries or deaths.
“When seconds matter, training can mean the difference between life and death,” Blankenship said in the announcement.
Blankenship said longer pursuits create more opportunities for motorists, pedestrians and officers to be injured or killed. The training gives personnel another option for ending a pursuit.
“This certification is about much more than learning a maneuver. It’s about knowing when to use it, when NOT to use it, and making split-second decisions that prioritize human life,” he said.
Blankenship described advanced training as an important investment in public safety.
“Our goal is not simply to apprehend those who flee from law enforcement. Our goal is to bring dangerous situations to a conclusion while protecting innocent citizens, our deputies, and even the individuals attempting to evade arrest,” he said.
He also thanked Benny and the Dothan Police Department for sharing their expertise and resources.
“Partnerships like this demonstrate what can be accomplished when neighboring law enforcement agencies work together,” Blankenship said.
