What is the primary purpose of pacing in traffic enforcement?

The primary purpose of pacing in traffic enforcement is to match the suspected violator's speed over a distance. This technique involves the officer following the vehicle in question and maintaining a consistent distance between their patrol vehicle and the suspect's vehicle. By doing so, the officer can accurately gauge the speed at which the vehicle is traveling, as long as they are able to maintain a steady pace without losing sight of the vehicle during the observation.

Pacing allows officers to establish a reliable estimate of speed based on their own speedometer readings, thereby enabling them to determine whether a traffic violation has occurred. It's a practical method often used when radar or other technology might not be available or when the officer needs to confirm a speeding violation visually.

While this action can eventually provide a basis for issuing a traffic citation, that is a secondary effect rather than the primary purpose of pacing. Understanding and assessing the driver's behavior can also play a role in traffic enforcement, but the main focus of pacing is specifically tied to accurately measuring speed. Additionally, relying on advanced technology might not always be feasible in all enforcement scenarios, hence emphasizing the importance of the pacing method.