What is the concept of "fresh pursuit" in law enforcement?

The concept of "fresh pursuit" refers to law enforcement's ability to follow a suspect outside their jurisdiction when they witness a crime being committed. This principle acknowledges that the immediate apprehension of a suspect is often critical to preventing further criminal activity or ensuring public safety. When officers are in "fresh pursuit," they have the necessary legal authority to continue their chase across jurisdictional lines as long as they can demonstrate that they are pursuing someone they have observed committing a crime.

This practice is designed to balance the need for effective law enforcement with the respect for jurisdictional boundaries, allowing officers to act swiftly in situations where time is of the essence. In cases of fresh pursuit, officers do not need to secure a warrant before taking action, as the urgency of the situation justifies their immediate response.