What is required for a Coast Guard officer to pursue a suspect ashore?

For a Coast Guard officer to pursue a suspect ashore, it is essential to establish probable cause to believe that a felony is being committed. This requirement stems from the need to balance law enforcement powers with the rights of individuals. Probable cause is a legal standard that requires sufficient reason based upon known facts to believe that a crime has been, is being, or will be committed. Without this foundation, pursuing and apprehending a suspect could violate their constitutional rights and lead to legal repercussions for the officer and the agency.

In the context of the Coast Guard's operations, this also reflects the agency's responsibility to uphold both maritime laws and constitutional protections. When an officer has probable cause, they can proceed with confidence that their actions are legally justified and necessary to prevent further criminal activity.

The other choices do not fulfill the legal requirements necessary for such an action. For example, while communication with local law enforcement or a dispatcher may be beneficial and can help coordinate efforts, it is not legally required for the pursuit itself. Similarly, additional personnel may provide support, but their presence does not create probable cause. Written authorization might be useful for certain operations or unique circumstances but is not a general requirement for the officer to act on probable cause in a pursuit scenario.