County Vehcile Operation and Employee Conduct Chapter 5

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of deputies who use county motor vehicles?

They should document all trips taken in the vehicle.

They are responsible for the vehicles' proper care, maintenance, and service condition. (correct)

They must keep the vehicles in a clean condition.

They need to report any damages immediately to the sheriff.

Which authorization allows the use of a county vehicle for personal transportation while on-call?

Family Transport Authorization

Emergency Use Authorization

CLASS A AUTHORIZATION (correct)

CLASS B AUTHORIZATION

Under CLASS B AUTHORIZATION, who are the permitted occupants of the county vehicle?

Authorized sworn and non-sworn employees, and persons required for duty. (correct)

Only sworn employees of the Sheriff’s Office.

Any member of the public.

Friends and relatives of the deputies.

What vital principle is emphasized for deputies operating county vehicles?

They should observe all laws and policies while operating the vehicles. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the vehicles operated by deputies of the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office?

The vehicles must be recorded in an inventory as property of the County. Signup and view all the answers

Who is authorized to ride in county-owned motor vehicles?

Sworn and non-sworn employees of the Sheriff’s Office Signup and view all the answers

What must deputies do if they are off-duty for more than five days regarding their take-home vehicle?

Return the vehicle to their assigned units Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a requirement for operating county vehicles equipped with lights and sirens?

Possessing a Texas Peace Officer license Signup and view all the answers

When do take-home vehicle authorizations expire?

On December 31st each year Signup and view all the answers

What should deputies do with portable county-issued equipment when their vehicle is parked or stored overnight?

Remove it and secure the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of the policy outlined for BCSO employees?

To promote efficiency, discipline, and good public relations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines 'alcoholic beverage' according to the stated policy?

Any beverage containing more than one-half percent of alcohol by volume Signup and view all the answers

According to the policy, employees' conduct is evaluated based on their behavior during which of the following times?

Both on and off duty at all times Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'conflict of interest' refer to in the context of the BCSO policy?

A situation where private interests might impair job performance Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'employees' in the context of the BCSO policy?

Both sworn and civilian (non-sworn) employees Signup and view all the answers

What is expected of all employees regarding their duties?

To perform their duties in a professional manner in accordance with legal standards. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is NOT compliant with the performance of duties in the BCSO?

Acting in a way that brings discredit to the BCSO. Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for employees regarding compliance with laws?

They must familiarize themselves with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary duty of employees regarding orders from supervisors?

To obey all lawful orders without exceptions. Signup and view all the answers

How should officers coordinate their efforts in the BCSO?

To establish and maintain the highest standards of efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bexar County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual - County Motor Vehicle Operation

Original Date: June 25, 2022
Effective Date: June 25, 2022
Chapter Number: Five Appendix H
Subject: County Motor Vehicle Operation
References: Bexar County Comprehensive Vehicle Policy
Distribution: All Sheriff's employees
Supersedes: New Appendix
Office: Sheriff's Administration
Enclosures: None
Review: December 1, 2023
Pages: 4
Approved by: Javier Salazar, Bexar County Sheriff

Policy (5H.01)

County-owned vehicles are for official use only
Deputies are responsible for the proper care, maintenance, and service condition of county vehicles.
Deputies must follow all applicable laws and policies of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office (BCSO).

Purpose (5H.02)

To provide guidelines for the proper usage and care of county motor vehicles.

Definitions

Class A Authorization: Allows use for 24-hour on-call purposes only. Deputies can use the vehicle to transport immediate family members if on immediate call-out.
Class B Authorization: Allows use only for travel to and from home and work. Includes sworn and non-sworn personnel or personnel specifically authorized by supervising authority..

Use of County Motor Vehicles (5H.04)

Vehicles are for official county business only
Not substitutes for personal vehicles
Deputies may not allow unauthorized people in vehicles
Vehicles must be used for their designated purpose

Take-Home Vehicles (5H.05)

Authorization expires December 31st. Requires annual reapplication.
Deputies must use personal vehicles to go home and return
Must reside within 44 miles of duty station.
Must park legally at residence.
Remove county-issued equipment when the vehicle is parked or stored overnight.
Take-home vehicles may only be used for immediate call-outs or transporting immediate family who are on call.
Deputies must be insured for use of their vehicles
Deputies must inform their supervisors before traveling outside of Bexar County while using a take-home vehicle.

Use of Take-Home Vehicles for Off-Duty Employment (5H.06)

With sheriff or chief deputy consent, take-home vehicles may be used for off-duty work.
Vehicle used for county functions, only with explicit consent given by the Chief or Sheriff.

Damage or Crashes (5H.07)

Incidents involving damage to or crashes involving county vehicles will be investigated by the Traffic Safety Unit (or on-duty patrol deputy).
Deputies have a duty to notify their supervisor and dispatch immediately in the case of crashes or damage.
Written or electronic report about such incidents is required within 24 hours; proper documentation is needed for all incidents.

Assignment of Motor Vehicles (5H.08)

All county vehicles are assigned
Deputies should not use a vehicle not assigned to them without permission.

Liability for Deputies (5H.09)

Negligence contributing to accidents or damage may require deputies to reimburse the county.
Reimbursement can be via lump sum or payroll deductions.

Issued Gasoline Cards (5H.10)

Each vehicle has a specific gas card that can't be used for other county vehicles.
Gas cards used for designated vehicles that are for official county purposes, only when specifically authorized.

Personally Owned Vehicles (5H.11)

Deputies authorized to use emergency lights on their own vehicles, if they are sworn officers, for off-duty work—must be approved by proper authorities
Deputies can't alter or create a personal vehicle to look like a county-owned vehicle
Deputies cannot use personal vehicles to make traffic stops.

Non-Sworn BCSO Employees (5H.12)

Non-sworn employees operating county vehicles must follow rules in this chapter, other BCSO policies, procedures, and SOPs.

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Description

This quiz covers the policies and guidelines related to the operation and care of county-owned vehicles outlined in Chapter Five Appendix H of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual. It aims to ensure that deputies understand their responsibilities regarding vehicle maintenance and legal compliance. Review the effective policies established on June 25, 2022.