61649096.pdf

\n\n--- Page 1 ---\n\nTITLE ACCREDITATION Department Vehicles CALEA Chapter 41.3.1, 41.3.2, 41.3.3, 70.1.3, 70.4.1, 70.4.2 PRIOR REVISIONS PROPONENT UNIT 06/01/09; 04/27/2020; 07/09/2020 Logistics Division 09/08/20, 03/29/24, 05/09/24 ATTACHMENT: 5 Forms NUMBER ISSUE DATE REVISION DATE TOTAL PAGES 41.3 07/01/98 10/14/2024 29 I. PURPOSE: This Order establishes regulations for the use of Department-owned vehicles. II. POLICY: The Gainesville Police Department shall regulate the use of Department vehicles to ensure the safety of citizens and Department members, and to provide for the care, safety and maintenance of the vehicles. [Members shall also refer to General Order 17.5, Fleet Management, for complementary information regarding fleet issues] III. DEFINITIONS: [CALEA 41.3.1] Nondescript Police Vehicles: Non-descript police vehicles are those intended to blend in with routine vehicle traffic, and which have no visible police markings or equipment (covert cars). Unmarked Fleet Vehicle: Unmarked fleet vehicles have the same or similar body style as marked patrol cars, are a solid color, and are not conspicuously marked. They are equipped with police equipment (siren and lights). This would include Lieutenant and Command Staff cars. Marked Fleet Vehicle: A conspicuously marked police vehicle that has striping, lettering and Department seals. These vehicles may or may not have roof-mounted light bars. They are equipped with police equipment (siren and lights). Muted marking, as on a DUI vehicle, would be considered marked for this policy. Emergency Vehicles: Fleet vehicles (marked or unmarked) or non-descript police vehicles equipped with emergency lights and sirens. Non-sworn members shall not be issued vehicles equipped with emergency equipment (sirens). Field Service Technicians (FST) Vehicles: They have specifically marked cars and have yellow and blue emergency lights. Volunteer vehicles are also conspicuously marked and have flashing lights as well, which are similar to the FST Vehicles. Other Department Vehicles: Department vehicles (administrative and pool vehicles) that do not meet any of the previous definitions. Scope: All Department Members\n\n--- Page 2 ---\n\nGAINESVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER IV. PROCEDURE A. General Provisions: The provisions in this section are applicable to all department members (sworn and non-sworn). 1. Vehicle Operation: City vehicles shall only be operated by city paid employees who possess a valid Florida driver’s license. i. Exceptions: Non-city employees who are authorized to maintain or repair a city vehicle or its equipment (e.g., radio shop personnel). These personnel occasionally drive city vehicles and are expected to have valid driver’s licenses. Non-City employed Victim Advocates, as per provisions within the MOU with the Alachua County Crisis Center regarding operations of City of Gainesville issued vehicles. ii. Safety: Department members shall operate Department vehicles in a safe and skillful manner as set forth within the guidelines of Department policies and Florida State Statutes. a. Department members shall observe all normal safe driving practices, including obedience to all traffic laws, except as authorized by law [Florida State Statutes 316.072 and 316.126] while responding to an emergency call, pursuing a vehicle, or attempting to stop a traffic violator. b. State law will not protect personnel from the consequences of reckless disregard for the safety of others. iii. Safety Restraint Requirement: Occupant safety restraints (lap and shoulder belts) shall be used by all operators and passengers of Department vehicles. [CALEA 41.3.3] a. Any employee injured in a vehicle crash who was not wearing safety restraints may have their Worker’s Compensation benefits reduced by 25% as allowed by Florida State Statute 440.09(5). b. Exceptions to the safety restraint requirement may occur when transporting prisoners (see GO 71.1). iv. Medical Restrictions: Members who have a “Safety Sensitive” medical restriction or who have been prescribed any medication that could impair their ability to drive or make sound decisions are 2\n\n--- Page 3 ---\n\nGAINESVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER prohibited from operating a city vehicle regardless of a personal physician indicating there are no driving restrictions. Members meeting these conditions must be medically cleared through city employee health. v. Driving Qualification: Sworn members and FSTs will demonstrate driving proficiency pursuant to an established training program, as designated by the Training and Education Division commander. Other non-sworn members may also demonstrate driving proficiency at the direction of the Training and Education Division. Documentation: The Training and Education Division commander shall properly document training and proficiency regarding driving qualification. 2. Vehicle Idling: It is policy of the City Of Gainesville to improve the efficient use of vehicles fuels in an effort to control operating costs and emissions. Department issued vehicles will not be permitted to idle unnecessarily. i. Department Members shall adhere to the following guidelines: a. Do not leave the vehicle/equipment unattended while idling. The engine will be shut down, the keys removed from the ignition, and the vehicle/equipment locked for security. NOTE: Exceptions listed below in section ii. b. Vehicle shall not be left idling while refueling. c. Employees shall not leave unoccupied vehicles idling in the station parking lots or while away from vehicle on a meal break. ii. Exceptions: Due to the operational function of the Gainesville Police Department vehicles and equipment, the following exceptions apply: a. In the course of responding to and completing emergency calls for service. b. During any police action taking place real-time in which the employee has to momentarily leave the vehicle but plans to be returning quickly – such as a response to calls. 3\n\n--- Page 4 ---\n\nGAINESVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER c. Vehicles requiring vehicle powered auxiliary equipment (i.e. emergency lights). d. K-9 vehicle with the dog inside; e. During a traffic stop; f. In inclement weather where leaving a vehicle running is necessary to provide uninterrupted service. g. When it is anticipated that the vehicle will be occupied as to not expose persons to extreme heat conditions (i.e. prisoner transport). 3. Vehicle Maintenance: i. Daily Inspection: The Department member using the vehicle shall inspect the vehicle each workday during his/her regular duty assignment to ensure that any existing damage has been identified and reported and that the vehicle is ready for service. Personnel should be alert to faulty or inoperative equipment and special attention should be given when checking brakes, lights, and emergency equipment. ii. Preventive Maintenance: Members are required to check engine oil, battery fluid levels, radiator fluid level, transmission fluid, tire pressure and cleanliness of the interior and exterior; and to make corrections, when needed. a. Members assigned vehicles shall routinely perform preventative maintenance and keep the interior of the vehicle clean. b. Members that are assigned vehicles shall adhere to the prescribed maintenance schedule by City Fleet and GPD Fleet. c. Members driving pool vehicles shall perform preventative maintenance at the beginning of each shift and notate it on the required pool vehicle form. Pool vehicles shall be cleaned and refueled after each use. d. City vehicles are scheduled for routine maintenance at short intervals as identified by Fleet Maintenance. Each member is 4\n\n--- Page 5 ---\n\nGAINESVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER responsible for knowing when maintenance is due and for ensuring it is done. e. Ensure tires are inflated to manufacturer recommendations. Manufacturer recommended tire pressure can be found on the driver’s side door panel. A Department air machine is loca