Closing the distance definition
Closing the distance means maneuvering an emergency vehicle into closer proximity of a violator or suspected violator vehicle for law enforcement purposes. “Closing the distance” has a number of valid law enforcement purposes, and is an appropriate tactic to reduce the possibility that an attempt to stop will escalate into a pursuit. However, when traffic conditions or offender vehicle speeds create safety concerns, emergency lights and siren should be used pursuant to CVC 21055.
Closing the distance means catching up to a vehicle, but does not include a pursuit.