Policy Text
Policy
441Fremont Police Department
Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) System
441.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
It is the policy of the Fremont Police Department to install, use, and maintain an Automatic Vehicle
Locator (AVL) System in designated police vehicles. The purpose of the Automatic Vehicle Locator
(AVL) System is to assist Communications personnel with dispatching units and locating units
during emergency situations. The AVL System is also intended to provide field personnel with an
enhanced mapping and call routing companion to the Computer Aided Dispatch system.
441.2 RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS
441.2.1 FIELD PERSONNEL
Field personnel assigned to a vehicle equipped with an AVL System will have the ability to utilize
an enhanced mapping system with call routing information displayed on their mobile computer
screens. The AVL System will also have the ability to provide field personnel with their current
location. Field personnel assigned to a vehicle equipped with AVL that is not functioning shall
immediately report the problem to the Equipment Room and exchange the vehicle for one with a
properly functioning AVL system as availability permits.
441.2.2 COMMUNICATIONS PERSONNEL
(a)Will have the ability to utilize the AVL System in order to select and dispatch a unit to
a call for service based on their location.
(b)Will have the ability to utilize the AVL System to locate field personnel involved in
emergencies or perceived emergency situations, such as, but not limited to, pursuits,
emergency button activations, or a lack of a response to radio transmissions.
(c)Shall verify that all in-service vehicles with AVL Systems are displayed on the AVL
screen in Communications and shall notify any unit when their AVL System is not
properly functioning. Notification of the failure shall also be made to the city "Help
Desk" to insure the system is properly functioning.
(d)Shall not utilize the AVL System to monitor the movements of individual officers
involved in routine activities.
(e)Other than routine calls for service, Communications personnel may use the system
to dispatch the closest unit to Priority One calls or any call requiring an immediate
response. Though the closest unit will ordinarily be dispatched to the scene, it is still the
responsibility of the assigned beat unit to respond and handle the call and any report.
(f)Shall use the AVL system to assist personnel in locating units who fail or are unable
to respond to radio or MDC transmissions.
(g)Shall use the AVL system to assist units and supervisors in the establishment of crime
scene perimeters and area searches.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/05/09, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Fremont Police DepartmentAutomatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) System - 1
Fremont Police Department
Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) System
(h)Shall use the AVL system to assist personnel and supervisors involved in pursuits
with appropriate transmissions regarding location, direction, speed, units involved, and
topography.
441.2.3 SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
(a)AVL screens will be placed in the Watch Commanders' Office and the Sergeants'
Office to assist with effective and efficient deployment of personnel while on shift.
(b)Supervisors shall make themselves familiar with the capabilities of the AVL system
and ensure its proper use.
(c)The AVL System is not intended to be used as a management/supervisory tool to
routinely or randomly monitor the movements of individual field personnel.
(d)While the system is not intended as a disciplinary tool, supervisors shall investigate
allegations of misconduct by accessing all available information, including information
captured and retained in the AVL system.
441.3 AUTOMATIC VEHICLE LOCATOR (AVL) DATA
The system is capable of storing historical data relating to a variety of information about each
patrol unit for a given date and time, including call sign, unit status, incident type, location, speed,
and heading. All data from the MDC system will be stored on the department server for a period
either dictated by statute or evidentiary rules, otherwise, they are not to be kept for a period of
longer than 6 months.
Access to AVL data may be permitted under the following conditions.
(a)The AVL System Database may only be reviewed by a manager or supervisor, or an
investigator participating in an official Department investigation, such as a personnel
complaint, claims investigation, administrative inquiry, or criminal investigation.
(b)In response to criminal or civil subpoenas requesting data stored in AVL database.
(c)No employee shall make an inquiry into or audit the AVL records unless specifically
authorized by the Chief of Police or Division Commander.
(d)Department personnel shall normally be notified prior to any AVL System Database
review involving their assigned vehicle, unless such notice is impractical (in such a
case, the employee shall be notified as soon as possible). The only exception to the
notification requirement would be if it would compromise the investigation or inquiry
and exception is granted by the Chief of Police or Division Commander.
(e)Department personnel may request a review of the AVL System Database for their
assigned vehicle in order to assist in reconstructing and documenting their movement
in situations, such as a pursuit. This request should be made to the on duty Watch
Commander who will be responsible for authorizing the release of this data in the
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/05/09, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Fremont Police DepartmentAutomatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) System - 2
Fremont Police Department
Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) System
absence of the Chief of Police or Division Commander. The Police Department
Information Systems Unit Manager will be responsible for any retrieval of AVL data.
Copyright Lexip