DM 04.01 - Routine Police Vehicle Operations.pdf

AURORA POLICE DEPARTMENT DIRECTIVES MANUAL EFFECTIVE: 4.1 SUBJECT: REVISED: September 1, 1998 November 23, 2013 _____________________________________________________ Daniel J. Oates, Chief of Police ROUTINE POLICE VEHICLE OPERATIONS REFERENCES: PAGE: 1 of 2 4.1 ROUTINE POLICE VEHICLE OPERATIONS 4.1....

AURORA POLICE DEPARTMENT DIRECTIVES MANUAL EFFECTIVE: 4.1 SUBJECT: REVISED: September 1, 1998 November 23, 2013 _____________________________________________________ Daniel J. Oates, Chief of Police ROUTINE POLICE VEHICLE OPERATIONS REFERENCES: PAGE: 1 of 2 4.1 ROUTINE POLICE VEHICLE OPERATIONS 4.1.1 Vehicle Inspection Before a Police vehicle is driven, the member/operator will inspect the vehicle for the proper equipment, fluid level, obvious mechanical defects, damage, contraband or weapons. Members finding damage to/or missing equipment from a vehicle will check the Vehicle Inspection Log book to ensure that the damage was noted and reported. Members will ensure that the equipment assigned to the vehicle is present and operational. The member will immediately report to a supervisor any damage or missing equipment not properly recorded. 4.1.2 Seat Belts Seat belts will be worn when riding in, or driving city-owned vehicles unless: 4.1.3 a. not provided. b. The member's supervisor has allowed an exception for a particular situation, e.g., combative prisoners, undercover situations, etc. c. A situation arises in which the seat belt requirement and obtaining prior supervisory approval is impractical. In such situations, the burden will be upon the member to state specifically why the seat belt requirement and obtaining prior supervisory approval were not practical. Vehicle Operation Under normal, non-urgent operating conditions, including responding to routine calls for service, operators of police vehicles will adhere to all existing traffic laws, driving defensively and in a safe, careful and a prudent manner. Members may operate their radio, Mobile Digital Computer (MDC), cellular telephone (verbal not text) and other communication devices while driving. Directive Manual (11-23-2013) 4.1 ROUTINE POLICE VEHICLE OPERATIONS Daniel J. Oates Page 2 of 2 However, they must do so safely and are not relieved of responsibility if an accident occurs. Driving police vehicles without headlights during hours of darkness is discouraged. Vehicles should be operated in this manner only when necessary to implement invisible deployment and should be driven at speeds that take into consideration lighting and surface conditions. Operators of police vehicles will comply with all parking regulations and will not double park or block traffic lanes, unless it is necessary to perform specific police duties. Under normal circumstances, vehicles equipped with an Electronic Stability Control System will be operated in the manufacturers default setting. This applies to both routine and emergency operations.