Sheriff's Policy Manual PDF

SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 7.4 VEHICLE CARE AND EQUIPMENT: 7.4.1 Employee Care of Vehicle: A. Employees with assigned vehicles will be responsible for their vehicle's general maintenance and proper care. B. Employees with assigned vehicles will be required t...

SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 7.4 VEHICLE CARE AND EQUIPMENT: 7.4.1 Employee Care of Vehicle: A. Employees with assigned vehicles will be responsible for their vehicle's general maintenance and proper care. B. Employees with assigned vehicles will be required to perform all vehicle maintenance and care as required and permitted herein including but not limited to vehicle washing, cleaning, fueling, fluid-level checks, periodic safety inspections, tire pressure checks, and mechanical inspections during regularly scheduled work hours, except in an emergency, if approved by a supervisor. C. It will be employees' responsibility to check assigned vehicles daily for fuel, oil level, water, and battery to assure proper functioning of their vehicle. D. BSO supplies fuel, oil, lubricants, and other additives for use in BSO vehicles. Use of other similar products will be prohibited. E. Employees will be prohibited from: 1. Connecting any electronic gear in a BSO vehicle's electrical system without written permission from the BSO Fleet Division. 2. Modifying a BSO vehicle's computer chips. 3. Removing, replacing, or obscuring the assigned BSO-issued license plate. F. Employees will be responsible for the appearance and cleanliness (interior and exterior) of assigned vehicles. Vehicles will be kept clean at all times. G. Flat Tire: Flat tires occurring while employees are on duty or off duty will be changed by the towing service under BSO contract. Employees are prohibited from changing flat tires, except in an emergency if approved by a supervisor. 7.4.2 Inspection: Supervisors will be responsible for inspecting their employees' vehicles. Vehicles will be inspected at least once a month for cleanliness, proper performance, the good working order of all equipment, and the proper BSO- Reviewed: 11/07/2018 Revised: 11/12/2018 Rescinds: 09/01/2015 Effective: 11/12/2018 7.4 Page 1 of 6  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL issued license plate and decal are attached. Vehicle inspections will be documented on the applicable vehicle inspection form. 7.4.3 Vehicle Maintenance: A. Vehicles will be maintained as directed by BSO Fleet Division. 7.4.4 Disabled Vehicle: A. If an assigned vehicle becomes disabled, the BSO Fleet Division (responsible for repair or removal) will be notified. If needed, employees will use only BSO authorized towing companies or garages. B. If an assigned vehicle is disabled for an extended period of time, employees will be given a motor pool vehicle. 7.4.5 Vehicle Equipment: A. The following equipment will be kept in each assigned patrol vehicle: 1. One first-aid kit 2. Two blankets in the proper container 3. Minimum of 12 flares (obtained from the Service Center) 4. One crowbar 5. One riot baton and helmet 6. One rope and flotation device 7. One fingerprint kit 8. Infectious disease supplies 9. One fire extinguisher (obtained from the Service Center) 10. One Rechargeable Flashlight (Issued To Lieutenants and Below) Reviewed: 11/07/2018 Revised: 11/12/2018 Rescinds: 09/01/2015 Effective: 11/12/2018 7.4 Page 2 of 6  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL B. The following equipment will be kept in each assigned marked unit’s trunk or interior: 1. One Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Guidebook 2. One traffic vest 3. One forced entry vest (if issued, for specialized assignments such as SWAT/FUGITIVE) 4. One personal protective vest C. Vehicles with crash investigation duties will carry one crash investigation kit in each assigned patrol vehicle's trunk or interior. Crash investigation kits will contain: 1. One marking crayon 2. One 100' measuring tape 3. One traffic template D. The following procedure will be used to replenish supplies: 1. For equipment issued by the Service Center, employees will personally contact the Service Center to replenish needed supplies. 2. For all other equipment, employees will contact their district/division's assigned employee who is responsible for ordering supplies through Central Supply. To order equipment, the following will be accomplished: a. Employees will specify the type of equipment needing replenishment and the quantity. b. Equipment should be ordered through the normal supply ordering process. Reviewed: 11/07/2018 Revised: 11/12/2018 Rescinds: 09/01/2015 Effective: 11/12/2018 7.4 Page 3 of 6  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL c. Emergency replacement can be authorized by the unit supply custodian on an as needed basis. d. Equipment will be issued to the requesting employee when the equipment is received in the district/division. E. Added Requirements: 1. General road patrol vehicles (i.e., marked cars) will conform to Florida Statutes designating the color combination of forest green and white as official colors in the State of Florida for deputy sheriff marked vehicles. 2. Marked vehicles used for general road patrol purposes will be equipped with: a. Blue/Red emergency lights b. Solid safety barrier separating the driver from the back seat passengers or prisoners c. Siren d. Public address speaker e. Exterior spotlight f. Reflective material on the vehicle's sides and rear for increased visibility and night safety g. BSO logos 3. Four-way flashers/hazard warning lights shall not be used while the vehicle is in motion, are not considered emergency lights, and will not be utilized in emergency situations or as a substitute for emergency lights. 4. Employees will not alter the general design, body, markings, appearance, or mechanical or electrical systems of BSO vehicles. No decals, flags, stickers, markings, striping, paint, or license plates will be affixed to BSO Reviewed: 11/07/2018 Revised: 11/12/2018 Rescinds: 09/01/2015 Effective: 11/12/2018 7.4 Page 4 of 6  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL vehicles unless authorized, in writing, or as part of the official designation (such as Canine, contract cities, etc.). 5. No modification, alteration, or addition reducing the vehicle's value will be made without the Fleet Division's prior approval. 6. No modifications, alterations, or additions to any BSO vehicle will be made without approval. A request will be made in writing through the employee's chain of command for review. The requesting employee will be advised of the approval or disapproval in writing and the review will be forwarded to the Fleet Division for processing and their review. 7. Window-Tinting (Sun-screening): All BSO owned or leased vehicles will only be tinted through the BSO Fleet Division. 7.4.6 Theft/Damage to Equipment: Theft or damage to BSO equipment or vehicles will be reported as soon as possible pursuant to policy and procedures. 7.4.7 Negligence: Employees negligent in the care, maintenance, or operation of assigned vehicles or policy and procedure violations governing vehicle use will be grounds for the temporary suspension or termination from the Take Home Vehicle Program. Reviewed: 11/07/2018 Revised: 11/12/2018 Rescinds: 09/01/2015 Effective: 11/12/2018 7.4 Page 5 of 6  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK Reviewed: 11/07/2018 Revised: 11/12/2018 Rescinds: 09/01/2015 Effective: 11/12/2018 7.4 Page 6 of 6