A new law impacting Indiana police departments went into effect on Jan. 1.

The policy creates minimum standards for how Indiana police can pursue suspects.

It states that a pursuit should not begin or be continued if the need for immediate apprehension is very low and public safety risks are high.

The policy also explains what police officers are required to consider prior to engaging in a vehicle pursuit. This includes: the violation the person is known to have committed, is wanted for or is suspected of; possible danger to the public based on circumstances; time of day; potential danger if the offender is not apprehended right away; positive driver identification.

Other considerations include traffic conditions, road conditions, speed of pursued vehicle, emergency equipment limitations, and more.