DEPARTMENT VEHICLES AND VEHICLE OPERATIONS.pdf

BOCA RATON POLICE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Departmental Standards Directive 41.237 DEPARTMENT VEHICLES AND VEHICLE OPERATIONS Revised: December 7, 2023 I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this departmental standards directive is to describe the responsibilities of employees when caring for and operating Depart...

BOCA RATON POLICE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Departmental Standards Directive 41.237 DEPARTMENT VEHICLES AND VEHICLE OPERATIONS Revised: December 7, 2023 I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this departmental standards directive is to describe the responsibilities of employees when caring for and operating Department vehicles. II. POLICY: It is the policy of the Department and its employees to properly maintain and safely operate Department vehicles. III. DEFINITIONS: Assigned Vehicle: Any vehicle assigned for use to a specific person(s), section or team. Authorized Passenger(s): A person who is transported in a Department vehicle who has been approved by the chief of police or his/her designee. Department Vehicle: Any motor vehicle or motorcycle, as defined by Florida statutes that is owned, leased, or rented by the City and assigned to the Department for its use. Fleet Vehicle: Any Department vehicle not designated a take-home vehicle that is used by employees while on a tour of duty or shared between employees during his/her tour of duty, or when the employee has to leave his/her take-home vehicle at the complex for service. Marked Vehicle: Any Department vehicle that is clearly marked and identifiable as a police vehicle and is equipped with emergency lights, and siren. Take-Home Vehicle: An assigned Department vehicle that an employee will drive home and use in accordance with Department written directives. Text Messaging/Texting: Reading from or entering data into any handheld or other electronic device, including Short Message Service (SMS) texting, e-mailing, instant messaging, obtaining visually assisted navigational information, or engaging in any other form of electronic data or electronic data communication. Unmarked Vehicle: Any vehicle owned, leased, or rented by the City and assigned to the Department that is not clearly marked or identifiable as a police vehicle and may be equipped with emergency lights or sirens that are not conspicuous. Effective: February 26, 2001 Revised: December 7, 2023 Department Vehicles and Vehicle Operations Directive No. 41.237 Page 1 of 16 Wireless Voice/Data Device: Any device capable of transmitting and receiving voice or data communications without plugging into a wired land-based phone network. For the purpose of this policy such equipment will include, but not be limited to the following: • Cellular telephones • Certain real-time navigational systems • Smartphones and devices for voice and/or data transmission • Tablets • Mobile Computer Terminals (MCTs) IV. PROCEDURE: A. DEPARTMENT VEHICLES: 1. FLEET MANAGER: a. The chief of police or his/her designee will assign the Special Services Bureau (SSB) commander as the Department’s fleet manager and liaison with the City’s fleet manager. b. The SSB commander may assign a lieutenant(s) to be responsible for the assignment and record keeping of Department vehicles and the preparation of recommendations for the ordering of new Department vehicles. 2. LICENSED OPERATOR: a. Only qualified and authorized employees shall operate Department vehicles. b. Every operator of a Department vehicle shall have a valid Florida Driver's License in his or her possession. 3. EMPLOYEE ACCOUNTABILITY: a. Limits on the use of Department vehicles are at the discretion of the division commander or his/her designee. b. All employees shall operate Department vehicles safely and will be held accountable for their carelessness or negligence and damage to City, Department, or private property. c. Employees shall not operate any damaged or defective Department vehicle that will render the vehicle unsafe. d. Before operating Department vehicles, employees shall examine the interior and exterior of the vehicle for items that are missing or do not belong in Effective: February 26, 2001 Revised: December 7, 2023 Department Vehicles and Vehicle Operations Directive No. 41.237 Page 2 of 16 the vehicle and for damage. Employees shall report any unrecorded damage or operational defect to their supervisor and record the necessary documentation on the Vehicle Inspection Form. e. Failure to report damage to or defects in a Department vehicle will create the assumption that the inspection required above was made and the assigned operator was responsible for the damage or defects. f. Should a Department vehicle develop operational defects or become damaged, the operator shall immediately contact his/her supervisor and arrange to have the vehicle removed from service and repaired. g. Operators of Department vehicles shall not violate traffic laws, except when necessary in the performance of their duties as authorized in Department written directives or as permitted by Florida Statutes, nor shall they permit a passenger to violate the law. h. Employees have the duty and responsibility to report any improper conduct on the part of another employee operating a Department vehicle that is contrary to Department written directives or Florida Statutes. i. Supervisors have a responsibility to notify employees of any violations, observed or brought to their attention and shall document any corrective actions. j. All written directives pertaining to on-duty LEOs shall also apply to offduty LEOs while operating a Department vehicle. k. Off-duty employees operating Department vehicles are required to assume full responsibility for handling or referring law enforcement related incidents coming to their attention and rendering all necessary aid until properly relieved. l. Employees shall not consume any intoxicants for eight (8) hours before using a Department vehicle except for undercover detectives who have received supervisory approval to consume alcohol. See Departmental Standards Directive 26.100 Conduct of Personnel. m. Employees are prohibited from patronizing bars or any establishments that may result in public criticism in a Department vehicle. n. Employees who have taken prescription or non-prescription drugs that may affect their ability to operate a motor vehicle shall not drive Department vehicles. o. Employees will not use Department vehicles for transporting any items that are not related to the performance of their duties unless otherwise approved by the chief of police or his/her designee in writing. Effective: February 26, 2001 Revised: December 7, 2023 Department Vehicles and Vehicle Operations Directive No. 41.237 Page 3 of 16 p. No objects will protrude from the trunk or windows of a Department vehicle. q. Employees shall keep their Department vehicles locked when unattended. r. Employees will advise Communications Section employees of their status while operating marked vehicles. i. Employees shall log into the Visual MCT program with their Department vehicle number and ensure that their mobile video recorder is on prior to driving the marked vehicle. ii. For safety purposes, employees shall not log-off of their Visual MCT program at any time while on duty. iii. Employees operating marked vehicles while they are off-duty shall use the “10-118” code in the Visual MCT program. iv. If the MCT program or the computer is not functioning, employees will notify Communications Section employees of their “10118” status via the radio. s. Corrective action will be taken if the employee is in violation of using the out of service code. t. Employees who fail to adhere to any of the conditions and requirements in this departmental standards directive or in any other written directive, or for any other reason, may have their privilege to a take-home vehicle suspended or may lose their privilege to a take home vehicle, and may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, in the sole discretion of the chief of police. 4. MAINTENANCE: a. Employees are responsible for the general maintenance and proper care of any Department vehicle while under their operation and shall not allow the following, unless authorized by the chief of police or his/her designee: i. Make any repairs other than minor adjustments ii. Alter the body, general design, appearance, markings, mechanical, or electrical system iii. Cause any visible alterations to the interior or exterior of the vehicle iv. Effective: February 26, 2001 Revised: December 7, 2023 Make any modifications or additions to the vehicle Department Vehicles and Vehicle Operations Directive No. 41.237 Page 4 of 16 v. Use or introduce any fuel, oil, lubricant, or other additive other than those supplied by the City garage, unless necessary while on Department authorized travel vi. Attach any stickers or other materials vii. Have any repairs made anywhere other than at the City garage or City-approved vendors, unless emergency repairs are necessary during Department sponsored travel and with supervisory approval b. Employees shall ensure that Department vehicles’ exteriors are washed and interiors are kept neat and clean. c. Employees will check the fluid levels of their Department vehicles each time the vehicle is refueled. d. Employees shall ensure that their Department vehicles have adequate fuel to complete their assignments and shift responsibilities. e. The City shall supply gas, oil, and all other maintenance items for the operation of each Department vehicle. f. Employees shall ensure that their Department vehicle will undergo preventive maintenance (PM) as prescribed by the Municipal Services Department. g. When a Department vehicle is scheduled for PM, arrangements shall be made to deliver the vehicle to the Municipal Services Complex before the PM date or by 0800 hours on the day PM is scheduled. h. The Department vehicle can be dropped off for routine repairs or PM during a regularly scheduled work shift. i. On-duty employees shall not wait at the Municipal Services Complex for routine maintenance or repair work to be completed on a Department vehicle. j. The employee must supply City garage personnel with a set of keys and a list of items that need repair on the Department vehicle. k. If a Department vehicle is left at the City garage for repairs after regular business hours or at a time the City garage is closed, keys to the vehicle are to be left within the designated drop box at the Municipal Services Complex. l. Should it become necessary for a take home vehicle to be repaired and out of service for any extended time, the employee may instead use a fleet vehicle with the approval of a supervisor. m. Employees shall ensure that emergency supplies and equipment normally carried within the vehicle are repaired or replaced as needed. Effective: February 26, 2001 Revised: December 7, 2023 Department Vehicles and Vehicle Operations Directive No. 41.237 Page 5 of 16 n. Emergency supplies and equipment will be obtained through the division commander, or his/her designee, or from the police administrative technician. o. If any Department vehicle becomes disabled while being used during normal operating hours, the City garage is responsible for the repair and shall be notified promptly. i. Communications Section employees shall contact the authorized towing service and have the vehicle towed to the City garage. ii. The operator will stay with the disabled vehicle until the vehicle is removed, or unless otherwise notified. 5. VEHICLE EQUIPMENT: a. Marked vehicles shall be painted, numbered, striped with reflective decals, and marked in a uniform manner as determined by the chief of police. b. See Appendix A for a listing of all equipment installed and required for Department vehicles. 6. INSPECTIONS: a. Supervisors are responsible for assuring any deficiencies, damage, or any other policy violations regarding a Department vehicle are addressed and corrected. b. Supervisors shall be responsible for inspections of Department vehicles within his/her area of responsibility or that are used by employees under his/her command in order to ensure adherence to this departmental standards directive. The inspections must be conducted at least once a month to assure Department vehicles meet all standards, including, but not limited to, cleanliness, supplies, operation of equipment, and that there is no damage or defect. c. Inspections shall be recorded on the electronic Vehicle Inspection Form. d. Inspections shall ensure that all equipment is present and operational. e. During the monthly vehicle inspection, supervisors shall review any in-car camera speed triggers, the proper use of Visual MCT log-in procedures, and 10118 code procedures. These reviews shall be documented on the vehicle inspection form. f. Before going on-duty, off-duty, and after a detainee transport law enforcement officers (LEOs) shall inspect the entire vehicle including, but not limited to, under the backseat for any property that an operator, passenger, or prisoner may have left there or removed. Effective: February 26, 2001 Revised: December 7, 2023 Department Vehicles and Vehicle Operations Directive No. 41.237 Page 6 of 16 g. If the LEO finds contraband in the vehicle, he/she shall document it on a Property Report, place it into evidence for disposition, notify his/her supervisor, and charge the individual who possessed the contraband, if known. 7. DEPARTMENT VEHICLE CRASHES: a. For directions on reporting and investigating Department vehicle crashes, refer to Standard Operating Procedure 61.02 Traffic Crash Investigations. 8. RESTRICTIONS ON USE: a. See Departmental Standards Directive 22.100 Compensation, Benefits, and Conditions of Work for procedures when an employee is relieved of duty. b. See Departmental Standards Directive 12.900 Light Duty Assignment for procedures when an employee is placed on light duty assignment. 9. RED LIGHT CAMERA VIOLATIONS: a. Any Department employee driving a Department vehicle captured by a red light camera shall be responsible for the violation and all fines and penalties associated with the violation. b. Review of violations, arrangements for payment, and any subsequent discipline shall be guided by Department written directives and City Personnel Policy and Procedures Memoranda. 10. SPARE KEYS/KEYTRAK: a. Spare keys for all marked vehicles in the fleet that are keyed uniquely will be placed in a locker via the KeyTrak system. All supervisors will have access to these keys and will make sure that they are to be used for emergencies or temporary use only and shall be returned in a timely manner. 11. UNMARKED VEHICLE PLACARDS: a. Individually numbered unmarked vehicle placards shall be assigned to employees who operate unmarked vehicles for the purpose of identifying the vehicle as being used for official police business while on-duty. b. Placards shall only be used while on-duty, and only while conducting Department-related tasks. B. USE OF DEPARTMENT VEHICLES: 1. USE OF EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT: 14.07 a. For emergency response, refer to Departmental Standards Directive 41.230 Response to Calls for Service. Effective: February 26, 2001 Revised: December 7, 2023 Department Vehicles and Vehicle Operations Directive No. 41.237 Page 7 of 16 b. When Department vehicles are stopped on the roadway to control traffic at crash scenes and motorist assists, emergency lights shall be continuously activated. c. Employees operating a Department vehicle shall not sound the siren and/or activate the beacon light or other emergency equipment or devices, unless responding to an emergency assignment or when required in the actual performance of police duties; e.g., vehicle related inspections, testing, tours, traffic stops, etc. 2. USE OF SEAT BELTS: a. All employees and passengers in the front and rear seats of a Department vehicle including detainees will use the seat belts as required by City and Department policy. See Departmental Standards Directive 71.100 Detainee Transportation. b. When transporting a juvenile under the age of six the following is required: i. Children up to four years must be secured in a federally approved child restraint device other than an automobile seat belt. ii. Children aged four (4) through five (5) years must be secured in a federally approved child restraint device or booster seat. iii. Child restraint devices and booster seats are stored in the Field Services Division storage closet. 3. USE OF DEVICES IN VEHICLES: a. The use of wireless voice/data devices when a Department vehicle is in motion is permitted only when the device is used with available hands-free technology, such as a Bluetooth earpiece, a wired ear-bud, or temporary vehicle mounted hands free technology. Employees must be able to maintain both hands on the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion and using the device. Any such use of wireless voice/data devices is prohibited in any other vehicle (e.g., personally owned, rented, or loaned) while the employee is on-duty or is conducting official Department business. b. Employees shall refrain from dialing calls while the vehicle is in motion. To place a call, employees shall stop in a safe location, or use voice speed dialing features to avoid driver distraction. 4. PASSENGERS: a. Only authorized passengers(s) shall be permitted to ride in a Department vehicle. Effective: February 26, 2001 Revised: December 7, 2023 Department Vehicles and Vehicle Operations Directive No. 41.237 Page 8 of 16 b. Except in emergencies, those who are not authorized passengers shall not be permitted to ride in Department vehicles without prior approval, except as provided in this directive. c. When it is necessary for a LEO to respond to a potentially hazardous situation, the authorized passenger(s) shall be dropped off at a safe location prior to the response. 5. TRANSPORTATION OF DISTRESSED PERSONS: a. When any person is observed in obvious distress for any reason, LEOs and CSOs operating Department vehicles shall offer assistance as indicated by the circumstances. b. Assistance may include transportation to homes, if nearby, provided no other means are available or to other places of safe refuge. c. When an employee takes a distressed person into a Department vehicle, the operator shall promptly notify Communications via radio of the person's identity, the reason, time, location, and odometer reading (beginning mileage). The employee will then give the ending mileage and that the distressed person is out of the vehicle. 6. SECURITY OF VEHICLES: a. All employees shall remove or properly secure all items of value and weapons contained in a Department vehicle when the vehicle is left unattended, except when the urgency of a situation makes securing these items impractical. b. The following items shall not be left unsecure in a Department vehicle while off-duty or during an extended authorized leave of absence: i. Firearms and magazines (not in a rack, lock box, or other approved locking mechanism). Effective: February 26, 2001 Revised: December 7, 2023 ii. Taser iii. ASP/OC spray iv. Duty vest/SWAT vest v. Plate carrier with ballistic plates vi. Portable radio vii. Body camera viii. Night vision (SWAT Team) Department Vehicles and Vehicle Operations Directive No. 41.237 Page 9 of 16 ix. Drone (UAS Team) x. Police ID card xi. Cell phones xii. Computers or tablets xiii. Valuable personal items c. Handguns may be secured in the enclosed (not accessible from the passenger compartment) trunk of a vehicle, provided the trunk release button is not operational (disengaged or locked). If the LEO chooses to use a Departmentissued gun safe, the safe shall be secured to the vehicle. d. A properly secured vehicle is one that is parked and locked with the keys in the operator’s possession. e. Employees shall never leave a Department vehicle with the engine running or the keys in the ignition unless it is outfitted with an antitheft device. f. During an employee’s extended authorized leave of absence (e.g., annual leave, extended sick leave, military leave, etc.) in excess of fourteen (14) days, his/her Department vehicle shall be returned to the division commander or his/her designee, for reassignment and/or storage. g. An employee may also secure his/her assigned Department vehicle at the Police Department when taking authorized leave for periods less than fourteen (14) days. C. RIDE-ALONGS: 1. CLASSIFICATION OF PERSONS: 14.15 a. Requests for ride-along passengers are divided into two categoriesinternal requests and external requests. b. c. Internal requests are as follows: i. Department Chaplains ii. Police Explorers iii. Department civilian employees External requests include the following: i. Currently enrolled students or active instructors in the criminal justice field Effective: February 26, 2001 Revised: December 7, 2023 Department Vehicles and Vehicle Operations Directive No. 41.237 Page 10 of 16 ii. Visiting LEOs who are interested in employment iii. LEOs are permitted to have one adult relative ride with them on their eight, ten or twelve-hour shift, one time only within any six-month period iv. Current applicants for position of police officer candidate for the Department, if approved by the Professional Standards Bureau v. Civilian Police Academy (CPA) students and graduates, when approved by the chief of police or his/her designee 2. vi. Visiting LEOs when the request is made by Department officers vii. All others as approved by the chief of police or his/her designee REQUEST/LIABILITY WAIVER: 14.15 a. All ride-along passengers shall be required to submit a signed and notarized liability waiver. b. The requester’s immediate supervisor and the watch commander of the shift will approve all internal requests for a ride-along. c. The liability waiver for internal ride-along requests must be submitted to the division commander or his/her designee before the ride-along enters any Department vehicle. d. Liability waivers from all internal ride-along requests are kept on file in the Field Services Division. e. External requests for ride-along participation shall include submission of a letter to the chief of police, together with a signed and notarized liability waiver. f. The letter for external requests must be received at least three weeks before the date of the ride-along and must include the following, at a minimum: i. Person's name, status/title ii. Reason for request iii. Date and tour of duty desired g. A criminal history check will be completed for all external requesters by the Crime Analysis Unit before the ride-along occurs. h. The chief of police or his/her designee shall approve or deny all external requests. Effective: February 26, 2001 Revised: December 7, 2023 Department Vehicles and Vehicle Operations Directive No. 41.237 Page 11 of 16 i. All external requests and returned liability waivers are kept on file in the office of the chief of police. 3. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 14.15 a. The watch commander is responsible for assigning the ride-along to the LEO and zone that he/she feels will best serve the needs of the Department. b. A supervisor has the right to decline or end a ride-along when he/she determines it is in the best interest of the Department or its employees. c. If a ride-along is declined or terminated, the supervisor will document the reason for his/her decision in a memorandum to the division commander through the chain of command before the end of his/her shift. 4. ATTIRE: a. Uniformed Department employees shall wear their standard duty uniforms; non-uniformed employees shall wear on-duty attire. b. 5. Ride-along passengers shall dress in business casual attire. CONDUCT: 14.15 a. Ride-along passengers will not exit the police vehicle in any situation when a confrontation is remotely possible. b. Ride-along passengers shall refrain from any derogatory conversation and display the utmost courtesy to Department employees, as well as to the public during their ride-along. c. Under no circumstances shall the ride-along civilian passenger have access to a firearm in a Department vehicle. d. If a LEO is involved in a struggle or any other situation when his/her life or limb is endangered and there is no back-up unit present, the LEO may request the ride-along passenger to assist him/her as permitted by FSS 776.05. e. All ride-alongs, unless approved by the chief of police or his/her designee, are conducted by uniformed LEOs and only in marked police vehicles. f. Under no circumstances shall a ride-along passenger display a badge, insignia, uniform, or any other item that may identify them as a police officer from another jurisdiction. Only active Florida law enforcement officers may carry a weapon during the ride-along. Effective: February 26, 2001 Revised: December 7, 2023 Department Vehicles and Vehicle Operations Directive No. 41.237 Page 12 of 16 D. LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM: 1. OFFICERS TAKE-HOME VEHICLE GOALS OF THE TAKE-HOME PROGRAM: a. The goals of the Take-Home Vehicle Program are as follows: i. To promote the security of the citizens of Boca Raton by greater visibility and presence of Department vehicles on the streets and highways ii. To deter crime by limiting the opportunity for criminals to commit an act by the mere presence of more marked vehicles iii. To provide quicker response times to certain types of emergency calls and increase the opportunity to apprehend criminals iv. To provide the quickest response time for off-duty LEOs when they are called back to duty for emergency situations v. To provide an increased incentive and improve morale for LEOs participating in the program vi. To maintain Department vehicles in optimum operating condition through preventive maintenance and personal assignment and responsibilities vii. To reduce vehicle maintenance costs viii. To reduce the yearly mileage of each Department vehicle and increase the vehicle’s useful life. 2. PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS: a. Participation in the Take-Home Vehicle Program is not mandatory. b. Vehicle assignment criteria shall be at the discretion of the appropriate division commander. c. Employees shall operate Department vehicles with care for safety and maintain the highest degree of operating efficiency at all times. d. Employees shall immediately report any theft of equipment or damage to a Department take-home vehicle in accordance with established procedures. e. Employees are required to advise the dispatcher when he/she initiates, participates in, or observes a call for police service. Effective: February 26, 2001 Revised: December 7, 2023 Department Vehicles and Vehicle Operations Directive No. 41.237 Page 13 of 16 f. Department take-home vehicles shall be legally parked at the assigned employee’s residence where the vehicle is easily visible in the neighborhood and not in a garage or carport when not being used. g. Eligibility for participation in the Take-Home Vehicle Program requires employees to have completed field training. h. All LEOs who live within the city limits of the City of Boca Raton or in Palm Beach or Broward Counties shall be assigned a Department take-home vehicle to drive between their home and their duty assignment. Fees may be assessed for take-home cars outside the city limits in accordance with the Agreement between the City of Boca Raton and the FOP. i. All assigned LEOs shall take whatever steps necessary to include in their personal automobile insurance policy liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage occurring while driving a Department vehicle, sometimes referred to as Extended Non-Owned Coverage in an amount not less than $100,000.00 per person and $300,000.00 per occurrence. j. In January, or anytime requested by the chief of police, each LEO assigned a Department take-home vehicle shall sign an affidavit in the Department’s electronic document management system stating he/she has the appropriate insurance and will maintain it for the year. k. Employees assigned a Department take-home vehicle must submit evidence of the required coverage identified above, annually to their supervisor within 30 days of receipt of the affidavit. Failure to comply with this submission will result in forfeiture of the take-home vehicle. l. It will be responsibility of the platoon/section commander, to collect and forward all of their affected employees’ documentation of coverage to the accreditation and compliance manager. m. It will be the responsibility of the accreditation and compliance manager to ensure that all affected employees have turned in their documentation and forward the information to Risk Management for review. n. If the Risk Management analyst discovers that an employee does not hold the appropriate coverage as outlined in the CBA or the City Personnel Rules and Regulations, the LEO shall be removed from the Department take-home program until he/she shows he/she is in compliance. o. With the exceptions of provisions set forth in the Agreement between the City of Boca Raton and the FOP, the City may amend other provisions of the TakeHome Vehicle Program. Effective: February 26, 2001 Revised: December 7, 2023 Department Vehicles and Vehicle Operations Directive No. 41.237 Page 14 of 16 3. AUTHORIZED USE OF TAKE-HOME VEHICLES; LIMITATIONS: a. LEOs are authorized to use a department vehicle for personal use, subject to the provisions and requirements of this directive (including, but not limited to, the provisions regarding passengers), within the boundaries of the City of Boca Raton and driving the route to or from his/her residence, within 90 minutes of his/her scheduled shift (i.e., stopping at the grocery store) b. LEOs may drive to authorized locations outside the City limits only as approved by the chief of police or his/her designee. c. Authorized locations outside the city limits include, but are not limited to, approved training locations, courthouses, and maintenance facilities for authorized repair work. d. To maintain officer wellness, an LEO is authorized to use his/her department vehicle for the explicit purpose of going to work out within 10 miles of his/her home when not on duty (i.e., going to a gym, running track, dojo, etc.). e. All regulations in this directive and other related Department written directives will also apply to LEOs participating in the Take-Home Vehicle Program with any Department vehicles. f. The chief of police may suspend or terminate any employee’s take-home vehicle privileges, including without limitation, for any reason, including for a violation of this directive or any other written directive, regulations, rule or policy. 4. ATTIRE: a. Employees shall be appropriately attired while operating a take-home vehicle. b. The wearing of tank tops, ragged shirts, cut-off jeans, open-toed footwear, T- shirts with inappropriate designs or words, etc., is strictly prohibited. c. When operating a Department vehicle, LEOs must have their official identification, an operational radio, their issued ballistic outer vest, and a Department issued or approved firearm with them. d. Employees must be prepared to perform any necessary police functions while maintaining a favorable public image. E. CIVILIAN TAKE-HOME VEHICLES: 1. Under limited circumstances, the division commander may extend take-home vehicle privileges to civilian employees based on the needs of the Department. 2. Civilian employees who are assigned a take-home vehicle shall only use the Effective: February 26, 2001 Revised: December 7, 2023 Department Vehicles and Vehicle Operations Directive No. 41.237 Page 15 of 16 vehicle for travel between home and duty assignments. Personal use of a take-home vehicle is prohibited. 3. All civilian employees assigned a take home vehicle shall take whatever steps necessary to include in their personal automobile insurance policy liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage occurring while driving a Department vehicle, sometimes referred to as Extended Non-Owned Coverage in an amount not less than $100,000.00 per person and $300,000.00 per occurrence. 4. Civilian employees assigned a take-home vehicle shall submit evidence of the required coverage identified above, annually as directed or upon renewal of the applicable insurance policy. Failure to comply with this submission will result in forfeiture of the take-home vehicle. Employees will be required to sign an affidavit annually stating they have the appropriate insurance and will maintain it for the year. 5. All regulations and rules regarding the use of take-home vehicles by civilian employees in this directive (with the exception of the rule regarding personal use), and all other written directives that may cover take home vehicles (including, but not limited to those regarding the maintenance, accountability, inspections, crashes, seat belt usage, conduct, and appearance of personnel), will also apply to civilian employees assigned Take-Home Vehicles. F. CRIME DETERRENT VEHICLES (CDV): 1. All employees will follow the guidelines while utilizing CDVs and fleet vehicles as specified in the Standard Operating Procedure 41.20 Spare Vehicles and Crime Deterrent Vehicles. Effective: February 26, 2001 Revised: December 7, 2023 Department Vehicles and Vehicle Operations Directive No. 41.237 Page 16 of 16