Manhunt (law enforcement)

In law enforcement, a manhunt is a systematic search for a criminal.

A manhunt is conducted when the suspect believed to be responsible for a serious crime is at large and is believed to be within a certain area. Any police units within reach of the area will then participate in the search, each covering parts of the area. If possible, the officers will form a perimeter around the area, guarding any and all possible escape routes from the containment.

A manhunt may have one of the following outcomes:

  • The successful capture of the suspect within the area of the manhunt.
  • The death of the suspect within the area of the manhunt.
  • Escape from the area by the suspect, followed by plans by other law enforcement agencies to search for the suspect elsewhere.
  • The search being called off, if police determine the chances of catching the suspect are minimal.

Also, if the fugitive uses deadly force to resist law enforcement officers, they are typically authorized to respond in kind.

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