Sheriff's Policy Manual PDF

SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 7.3 VEHICLE OPERATION PROCEDURES: 7.3.1 General: A. Except as required in the line of duty, employees driving assigned vehicles will conform to all state or local laws regulating traffic and parking. B. Employees will not operate or park a...

SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 7.3 VEHICLE OPERATION PROCEDURES: 7.3.1 General: A. Except as required in the line of duty, employees driving assigned vehicles will conform to all state or local laws regulating traffic and parking. B. Employees will not operate or park assigned vehicles in a way that causes unfavorable comments or reflects discredit upon BSO. C. Only authorized employees will operate BSO vehicles. D. Deputies operating assigned vehicles while off duty must be properly attired to effectively perform needed law enforcement functions and present a favorable appearance. Improper attire includes, but is not limited to t-shirts, tank tops, bathing attire, or shorts. 7.3.2 Vehicle Response Modes: A. Code 1 - Routine Response: Normal operation within state traffic laws and regulations guidelines. B. Code 3 - Emergency Response: 1. Vehicles responding in Code 3 mode: a. Will make full and continuous use of all available audio and visual warning devices during times of emergency operation b. May exceed maximum speed limits provided they do not endanger life or property c. May proceed past red lights or stop signs, but only after ensuring a safe passage through the intersection. 2. It is at the deputy's discretion to respond in Code 3 mode. Emergency response may be initiated if there is a reasonable belief that the current situation is dangerous or life-threatening or about to escalate to a dangerous or life-threatening situation for the deputy, subject(s) or other persons in the surrounding area. 7.3 Page 1 of 4 09/01/2015  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 3. Decisions to respond in Code 3 mode do not relieve deputies of their responsibility for exercising due care in operation of their vehicles. 7.3.3 Off Duty Radio Communication: A. Deputies driving assigned vehicles off duty will monitor the BSO radio channel used for the area where they are operating. B. Deputies not assigned a permanent radio designator will use their CCN as identification if off duty (e.g., Uniform 2120). 7.3.4 Off Duty Law Enforcement Action: A. Off duty deputies will be responsible for properly handling or referring all incidents coming to their attention. They will immediately request a zone unit to respond and render aid until ample on duty employees arrive to handle the situation. B. It is BSO's policy to relieve off duty deputies with on duty deputies as soon as possible. Due to circumstances on continuity and preservation of evidence, on duty supervisors may direct the off duty deputy to handle the call. C. Overtime payments will be given to off duty deputies required to take law enforcement action while operating assigned vehicles. If a supervisor directs the off duty deputy to complete a call, normal overtime procedures will apply. D. Off duty deputies in plain clothes must use good judgment and common sense if initiating law enforcement action, remembering the public's inability to easily recognize non-uniformed employees. 7.3.5 Vehicle Operation Without Headlights: A. BSO authorizes the operation of BSO law enforcement vehicles without the display of headlights when needed for law enforcement functions authorized per Florida Statutes. These functions will include, but are not limited to the following conditions: 1. Operation without the display of headlights is needed for the performance of a deputy sheriff's duties. 2. The vehicle is operated in compliance with BSO policies and procedures. 7.3 Page 2 of 4 09/01/2015  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 3. The operation without the display of headlights may be safely accomplished. B. The provisions of this section will not relieve deputies from their duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor will these provisions protect deputies from the consequences of the reckless disregard for the safety of others. C. Pursuant to FSS 316.217(5), a violation of this section will be deemed as a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in the Florida Statutes. 7.3 Page 3 of 4 09/01/2015  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK 7.3 Page 4 of 4 09/01/2015