Depends. Only the actual chases make it onto Cops though. But yes, we are a lot less pussy footed about getting in a chase than say like the UK cops.
Basic rules though are you tail them for as long as possible while you wait for backup if you think they're gonna run. Chase if need be, but it may be called off if he's going bat shit crazy.
PITs are only allowed via HQ approval due to the risk involved. Spike strips are very often used as it's a really safe way to stop a car (it slowly let's the air out).
BigJ would know more than me though.
Here in Texas, our state police have an even better method, if you won't stop.
They simply shoot out your tires, fuel tank and radiator and wait for your vehicle to die.
[YOUTUBE]wg4NwrpXB1o[/YOUTUBE]
(In case that doesn't work, see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg4NwrpXB1o )
http://www.knbc.com/news/9563081/detail.html?rss=la&psp=nationalnews
FORT WORTH, Texas -- A hostage drama ended peacefully Sunday along a highway near Dallas.
A man who police said held a female truck driver hostage surrendered after police fired tear gas into the cab of an 18-wheeler. The woman and her dog ran to safety.
An hour-long standoff followed a three-hour chase that at one point went through downtown Dallas and through three counties. Police forced the rig to stop by shooting the tires and into the engine.
***
The local cops will sometimes do it as well:
[youtube]uMTZmFz3BUk[/youtube]
Moral of story: Do not run from the police in Texas. It never helps, chances are that you won't be getting away, and nobody in this state has any sympathy for you if you get hurt or die while running from the police.