Law Enforcement Vehicle Procedure

Special Details Marked Vehicle Procedure

Purpose

• To establish procedures for deputies requiring a marked vehicle for details

Vehicle Care

• The Special Details supervisor is responsible for the care and maintenance of Special Details vehicles
• Deputies using marked vehicles are required to maintain their care

Vehicle Issuance Procedure

• Deputies make arrangements with Special Details for a vehicle when notified of a detail
• Vehicles are available Monday to Friday, 7:30am - 4:30pm and must be signed out at Special Details

Vehicle Inspection

• Deputies inspect the following before taking a vehicle:
  • Headlights, emergency lights, and tail lights
  • Radio equipment (if installed)
  • Oil, transmission, and gasoline levels
  • Interior and exterior condition
  • Equipment in the trunk

Vehicle Return

• Vehicles must be returned in the same condition as issued
• Deputies must:
  • Refill fuel and oil levels
  • Clean the interior and exterior
  • Report mechanical difficulties to Special Details
• Vehicles are parked in the Public Safety Building's rear lot and the key returned to Special Details
• If a detail is completed outside normal working hours, the key is returned to the Public Safety Building Information Desk

Vehicle Inspection after Return

• Special Details inspects returned vehicles before re-issuance
• If a discrepancy is found, the deputy is contacted and requested to correct it

Decoy Vehicles

• Decoy vehicles are used by BSO for law enforcement purposes, obtained through guaranteed buy-back agreements or loans.
• Divisions, districts, units, or individual deputies are responsible for obtaining, securing, using, and safekeeping decoy vehicles.

Approval Process

• Prior approval is required from the Department of Law Enforcement Executive Director or designee before taking possession of a decoy vehicle.
• The approval process requires:
  • A statement of need with supporting documentation and a completed operational plan.
  • An indemnification/hold harmless agreement from the Office of the General Counsel and liability insurance coverage from Risk Management (for loaned vehicles).
  • A buy-back agreement from the Office of the General Counsel and a certificate of title from the seller (for purchased vehicles under a guaranteed buy-back).

Acceptance and Use

• Upon acceptance, the deputy will:
  • Photograph and document the physical condition of the vehicle.
  • Notify the Fleet Division and Risk Management of BSO's possession of the vehicle.
• During use, the deputy will:
  • Take reasonable precautions to preserve the physical and functional condition of the vehicle.
  • Ensure the vehicle is not driven by non-BSO employees unless explicitly stated in the approved operational plan.
  • Adhere to BSO's vehicle use policies and procedures.
  • Have a sergeant or supervisor of higher rank on the scene and in command during operations.

After-Action Report

• After completing the vehicle's use, the deputy will prepare and submit an After-Action Report within 24 hours, stating:
  • The condition of the vehicle.
  • When the vehicle will be returned to the owner.

Vehicle Return

• Upon return of the vehicle to its owner, the deputy will provide Risk Management with a receipt for the vehicle, duly signed by the owner.