Vehicle Maintenance
704.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Employees are responsible for assisting in maintaining Department vehicles so that they are properly equipped, properly maintained, properly refueled and present a clean appearance.
704.2 DEFECTIVE VEHICLES
When a department vehicle becomes inoperative or in need of repair that affects the safety of the vehicle, that vehicle shall be removed from service for repair. Proper documentation shall be promptly completed by the employee who first becomes aware of the defective condition, describing the correction needed. The paperwork shall be promptly forwarded to vehicle maintenance for repair.
704.3 VEHICLE EQUIPMENT
Certain items shall be maintained in all department vehicles for emergency purposes and to perform routine duties.
704.3.1 PATROL VEHICLES
Officers shall inspect the patrol vehicle at the beginning of the shift and ensure that the following equipment, at a minimum, is present in the vehicle:
- 20 Emergency road flares
- 2 Sticks yellow crayon or chalk
- 1 Roll Crime Scene Barricade Tape
- 1 First aid kit, CPR mask
- 1 Blanket
- 1 Blood-borne pathogen kit, Incl. protective gloves
- 1 Sharps container
- 1 Hazardous waste disposal bag
- 1 Traffic Safety Vest
- 1 Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Handbook
- 1 Evidence collection kit
- 1 Camera
704.4 VEHICLE REFUELING
Absent emergency conditions or supervisor approval, officers driving patrol vehicles shall not place a vehicle in service that has less than a half tank of fuel. Vehicles shall only be refueled at the authorized location.
704.5 WASHING OF VEHICLES
All units shall be kept clean at all times and weather conditions permitting, shall be washed as necessary to enhance their appearance.
Officers in patrol shall obtain clearance from the Dispatcher before responding to the fleet services car wash rack. Only one marked police unit should be at the wash rack at the same time unless otherwise approved by a supervisor.
Employees using a vehicle shall remove any trash or debris at the end of their shift. Confidential material should be placed in a designated receptacle provided for the shredding of this matter.
704.6 NON-SWORN EMPLOYEE USE
Non-sworn employees using marked vehicles shall ensure all weapons are removed from vehicles before going into service. Non-sworn employees shall also prominently display the "out of service" placards or lightbar covers at all times. Non-sworn employees shall not operate the emergency lights or siren of any vehicle unless expressly authorized by a supervisor.
