MO HB456

Expands fresh pursuit arrest authority to include law enforcement officers of fourth class cities in Missouri, in addition to existing officers certified under chapter 590 and other specified law enforcement personnel.

Authorizes fourth class city police officers to arrest and hold persons anywhere in the state when in fresh pursuit of someone reasonably believed to have committed a felony or any criminal offense witnessed by the officer, or for whom the officer holds an arrest warrant.

Requires fresh pursuit to be initiated from within the officer's jurisdiction and must be terminated once the officer leaves their jurisdiction and loses contact with the person being pursued.

Maintains existing procedures for arrest dispositions, including warrant arrests, traffic violations, and warrantless arrests requiring presentation before a judge with original criminal jurisdiction.

Requires public agencies instituting vehicular pursuits to adopt policies meeting minimum standards including supervisory control, designated primary vehicles, inter-jurisdictional coordination procedures, and guidelines for initiating or terminating pursuits based on public safety considerations.