Marked General Patrol Vehicles PDF 2000

Policing Standards Manual (2000) Marked General Patrol Vehicles Legislative/Regulatory Requirements Under the Police Services Act (PSA), municipalities are...

Policing Standards Manual (2000) Marked General Patrol Vehicles Legislative/Regulatory Requirements Under the Police Services Act (PSA), municipalities are responsible for providing the infrastructure necessary to support adequate and effective police services, including vehicles. Section 15 of the Equipment and Use of Force Regulation sets out what type of vehicle is not permitted to be used for general police patrol purposes. In addition, the Occupational Health and Safety Act defines the responsibilities of employers, supervisors and workers with respect to the use of equipment related to the workplace. Note: The subject of this guideline is limited to marked general patrol vehicles and does not address vehicles utilized for specialized functions (e.g., supervision, surveillance, canines). In these areas, police services maintain full flexibility and discretion in their choice of vehicles. Sample Board Policy Board Policy #_____________ It is the policy of the _______________ Police Services Board with respect to marked general patrol vehicles that the Chief of Police will: a) establish procedures that set out the functions of marked general patrol vehicles; b) ensure that the police service’s marked general patrol vehicles meet required specifications; c) ensure the regular maintenance, inspection and replacement of the police service’s marked general patrol vehicles; and d) consult with designated employee representatives regarding the acquisition of patrol vehicles and related equipment. Police Service Guidelines Procedures 1. Every police services procedures should address the functions of marked general patrol vehicles, including the following: a) general patrol and general calls for service; b) emergency response; c) transportation of personnel and equipment; d) suspect apprehension pursuit; November 2000 AI-008 1/3 Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General  Policing Standards Manual (2000) Marked General Patrol Vehicles e) protection, including protection of a vehicle collision scene; f) provision of sufficient space to allow for interviewing and report preparation; and g) temporary detention. Equipment 2. Every Chief of Police should ensure that all marked general patrol vehicles acquired by the police service, and utilized for the functions set out in section 1, meet the following specifications: a) the vehicle is designated by the manufacturer as a “ police package“, and that compact and sub-compact vehicles (as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) should not be operated as patrol vehicles; b) the vehicle is solid white in colour, clearly marked and identifiable as a police vehicle (i.e., with the word “police” appearing on the vehicle); c) municipal police services are to utilize a combination of blue and red reflective striping and the Ontario Provincial Police are to utilize a combination of blue and gold reflective striping for the purposes of identification and visibility; d) standard equipment should include, but not be limited to, police service compatible, and heavy duty, where applicable: i) engine; ii) automatic transmission; iii) power steering and police suspension; iv) power hydraulic ABS braking system; v) highest output alternator available; vi) highest amp-hr, CCA, battery available; vii) cooling system; viii) engine and transmission coolers; ix) frame, body mounts, and/or unibody undercarriage; x) police speed rated tires; xi) tilt/adjustable steering wheel; xii) air conditioning; xiii) dual airbags; xiv) dash-mounted driver and passenger accessible deck lid release; xv) power door locks and windows; xvi) electric remote outside mirrors; xvii) trim panel mounted door front/window lock controls front-operated only, with rear locks inoperative; xviii) certified speedometer calibration; xix) police radio frequency/electronic equipment interference protection; and xx) high quality driver and passenger seats with individual 6-way adjustable power controls, where available; e) where applicable, police services that typically utilize single-officer patrols may choose to equip only the driver’s seat to the specifications set out in section d); November 2000 AI-008 2/3 Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General Policing Standards Manual (2000) Marked General Patrol Vehicles f) the vehicle is equipped with adequate emergency lighting visible from 360 degrees in accordance with the provisions of the Highway Traffic Act; g) the vehicle is equipped with 100 watt minimum, forward-facing siren that is situated ahead of the vehicle’s front wheels and positioned in such a way as not to interfere with air flow to the radiator; h) the vehicle is equipped with a public address system (i.e., loud hailer); i) equipment and controls in the vehicle are properly secured and mounted/installed in such a way as not to interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle, including the deployment of airbags; and j) the vehicle is supplied with safety equipment to fulfill general patrol functions. 3. Every Chief of Police should ensure that: a) the police service meets or exceeds the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule in servicing and maintaining its vehicles. b) accurate and up-to-date maintenance, servicing and accident damage records are maintained; c) emergency equipment is inspected and tested regularly; d) inspections are performed on a regular basis by a qualified technician; e) replaced parts meet or exceed the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) police package designation for the specific vehicle model; and f) the speed rating of replacement tires meet or exceed the vehicle performance capabilities as indicated by the manufacturer in relation to the specific vehicle model. 4. Every Chief of Police should ensure that, prior to making a final decision regarding the acquisition of patrol vehicles and related equipment, designated employee representatives are consulted. November 2000 AI-008 3/3 Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General