Policy Text
09.01.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this general order is to establish procedures for the use, care, operation
and maintenance of all vehicles owned and operated by the Concord Police Department.
09.01.1 POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Concord Police Department to ensure that all vehicles owned
by the department are properly managed, maintained, and operated to promote operator
safety and prolonged vehicle life.
09.01.2 ONE-CAR, ONE -OFFICER PRO GRAM
A. All officers that meet the eligibility requirements may be assigned a department
owned police vehicle that may either be driven to the officer’s residence or parked
at a department -approved facility when the officer is off duty.
B. The “One Car, One Officer” program is designed to fulfill several objectives.
1. The program places department vehicles throughout the city in a highly visible
manner, which serves as a deterrent to criminal activity and can be comforting
to residents in areas where the officer resides.
2. In addition to deterring criminal activity, the high visibility of these vehicles
impacts traffic safety in residential areas. With large numbers of department
vehicles visible to the public, the “police visi bility” is expanded throughout the
city.
3. The program increases the efficiency of vehicle operations and maintenance
through a reduction in maintenance costs and extended vehicle life.
4. The program enhances the department’s ability to quickly summon off -duty
officers in emergency situations.
C. ELIGIBILITY
1. Officers must first be eligible to operate a city vehicle in accordance to City of
Concord Personnel Policy 8.15 – Driver Authorization.
2. Approval shall be obtained by completion of a Take Home / Overnight Vehicle
Request (Form VEH-1). Form VEH-1 shall be completed at the time an officer
is first assigned a take home vehicle and each time an officer is assigned a CONCORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
DEPARTMENT VEHICLE OPERATION
GENERAL ORDER: 09.01 CREATED: February 22, 2019 ISSUE DATE: October 9, 2025
CALEA STANDARD S: 41.3.2, 61.3.3
NCLEA STANDARDS: EFFECTIVE DATE: October 16, 2025
ACTION: Amends general order dated October 1, 2022 .
General Order 0 9.01 DEPARTMENT VEHICLE OPERATION Page 2 of 11
different vehicle, other than a temporary spare, or the overnight location is
altered.
NOTE: Officers are required to notify their immediate supervisor of
any change in residence location – reasonably in advance of
such change taking place – so that a ne w VEH -1 can be
submitted and reviewed for compliance with this policy.
3. Officers residing within 30 miles from police headquarters (straight line
distance) may be allowed to drive assigned vehicles to and from their residence
and their duty assignment.
4. Officers who do not live within 30 miles from police headquarters (straight line
distance) may park their assigned vehicle at a location near the route they use
between their residence and the Concord Police Department. The location shall
be highly visible 24 hours a day and be within the 30 mile limit. Approval of
this location shall be obtained by completion of Form VEH -1.
5. Officers assigned to units that may require callback (e.g., CID, K-9 handlers,
SWAT, crash reconstructionist) may obtain permission to drive their assigned
vehicle to and from their residence overnight outside of the established 30 mile
distance from police headquarters. Permission must first be granted by the
Chief of Police and shall be considered on a case by case basis.
D. RESTRICTIONS
1. Department vehicles are to be used only for official police and city business.
Personal use of department vehicles is proh ibited.
2. Officers shall utilize department vehicles in accordance with applicable sections
of the City of Concord Personnel Policy 8.8 and 8.15.
3. Officers shall not store weapons (e.g., firearms, Tasers, and other less lethal
weaponry) or specialized equipment (e.g., SWAT gear, crowd/riot control gear,
police bicycle, etc.) in their unattended vehicle when off duty unless the vehicle
is parked in a secured garage, or a similar locked facility, or at the officer’s
residence.
09.01.3 VEHICLE EQUIPMENT
A. All patrol vehicles shall be equipped with a mobile radio transceiver, approved siren,
and blue emergency light(s). Patrol vehicles may also be equipped with additional
equipment to include:
1. Basic first-aid equipment;
2. Fire Extinguisher;
3. Stop Sticks;
4. Printer;
5. USDOT Emergency (Hazardous Materials) Response Guidebook (electronic) ;
6. In Car Camera;
General Order 0 9.01 DEPARTMENT VEHICLE OPERATION Page 3 of 11
7. Radar;
8. Personal Protective Equipment
B. Officers shall advise their commanding officer of equipment that needs to be
replaced due to damage, loss, disrepair, etc. Command