Broward County Sheriff's Policy Manual PDF

SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 7.14 DECOY VEHICLES: A. When a vehicle is sold to BSO under a guaranteed buy-back agreement or loaned to BSO for law enforcement use as a theft decoy vehicle, the following procedure will be followed: 1. Divisions, district...

SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 7.14 DECOY VEHICLES: A. When a vehicle is sold to BSO under a guaranteed buy-back agreement or loaned to BSO for law enforcement use as a theft decoy vehicle, the following procedure will be followed: 1. Divisions, districts, units, squads or the individual deputy requesting authorization for use of a decoy vehicle will be responsible for obtaining, securing, using, and safekeeping it, as well as for its operation and ultimate return. 2. The deputy who will take possession of a decoy vehicle will obtain prior approval through the level of the Department of Law Enforcement Executive Director or designee before taking possession. As part of the approval process, the following will be required: a. A statement of need, with any support documentation and a completed operational plan. b. In case of a loaned vehicle where the title remains vested in a third party, an indemnification/hold harmless agreement from Office of the General Counsel and liability insurance coverage from Risk Management. c. In case of a purchased vehicle under a guaranteed buy-back, the buy-back agreement from Office of the General Counsel and certificate of title from the seller showing the title to be vested in the "Sheriff of Broward County". 3. Upon approval, the requesting deputy or case investigator will provide Risk Management with the following: a. A copy of the written command approval. b. In case of a loaned vehicle, a copy of the indemnification/hold harmless agreement. c. In case of a purchased vehicle under a guaranteed buy-back, a copy of the certificate of title and copy of the buy-back agreement B. Upon acceptance of the vehicle, but before its use, the deputy will: 7.14 10/01/2008  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 1. Photograph and document the physical condition of the vehicle. 2. Notify the Fleet Division that BSO has possession of the vehicle should repairs become necessary. 3. Notify Risk Management that BSO has possession of the vehicle and in the case of a loaned vehicle, confirm the liability coverage is in force and in effect. C. During use of the decoy vehicle, the following will be adhered to: 1. All reasonable precautions will be taken to preserve the physical and functional condition of the vehicle. 2. The vehicle will not be driven by non-BSO employees unless expressly provided in the approved operational plan. 3. The policies and procedures of BSO governing use of vehicles will apply. 4. A sergeant or supervisor of higher rank will be on the scene and in command during operations. D. Upon completion of the vehicle's use, the deputy using it will prepare and submit an After-Action Report within 24 hours. The report will state: 1. The condition of the vehicle. 2. When the vehicle will be returned to the owner. E. 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. 7.14 10/01/2008