Which factor is crucial for the application of hot pursuit?

The crucial factor for the application of hot pursuit is the immediate danger to public safety. Hot pursuit allows law enforcement to follow a suspect without a warrant when there is a reasonable belief that allowing the suspect to evade capture would pose an ongoing threat to the safety of the public or risk the destruction of evidence. This principle is rooted in the need for prompt action to prevent further harm or criminal activity, which underscores the urgency and necessity of the situation. While the presence of a firearm, the type of crime committed, and the location of the suspect may influence the circumstances, they do not inherently justify hot pursuit unless they directly relate to an imminent threat to public safety.