Policy Text
Policy
707Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/08/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentArmored Vehicle Deployment For Patrol - 1Armored Vehicle Deployment For Patrol
707.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide technical and procedural information regarding the
deployment of the Garden Grove PD Armored Rescue Vehicle by patrol personnel. The
information contained within this policy is relevant to the use of any armored rescue vehicle
deployed by the Garden Grove Police Department without a special licensing requirement (i.e.
Class B License). This policy will address general information regarding the intent of this program,
logistical information of the vehicle, the approval process, deployment techniques, and capabilities
and limitations of the armored rescue vehicle.
707.2 INTRODUCTION
The Armored Rescue Vehicle is a four-wheeled, armored vehicle. The Armored Rescue Vehicle is
designed primarily for the use of law enforcement agencies in urban environments, where a threat
of contacting resistance from armed suspects exists. Historically, the Department has utilized the
Armored Rescue Vehicle for SWAT related events, in which SWAT personnel were present to
operate and safely deploy the vehicle. This policy will provide officers with a reference point to
effectively and appropriately deploy the Armored Rescue Vehicle and/or other armored vehicles
in situations requiring immediate action.
707.3 TACTICAL DEPLOYMENT
An armored rescue vehicle can significantly decrease the threat to officers when deployed
appropriately in situations such as:
(a)Active Shooters
(b)Officer/Citizen down rescues
(c)Armed barricaded suspects
(d)Major incidents where an act of violence or threat of violence is imminent
Armored rescue vehicles can also be used to increase safety to officers and the community in
other situations, including but not limited to:
(a)Evacuation efforts
(b)Clearing vehicles during high-risk traffic stops involving possibly armed suspects
(c)Creating breach points
(d)Re-supplying officers in high-risk locations
(e)As a distraction
(f)As a blocking element
(g)To pin a suspect in a vehicle or structure to restrict or eliminate mobility
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Armored Vehicle Deployment For Patrol
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/08/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentArmored Vehicle Deployment For Patrol - 2707.3.1 FACTORS TO CONSIDER
(a)Officers should determine if the incident is exigent in nature and requires an immediate
response, or if the situation meets the criteria for a SWAT call-out. For further refer to
the Special Weapons and Tactics Policy.
(b)Whether or not the environment is conducive to the movement of an armored vehicle
(i.e., narrow streets, parked vehicles, hard-scape or structures restricting movement.)
(c)Whether the officers at the scene possess the necessary capabilities; considering their
experience, applicable training and physical ability to effectively deploy from and with
the armored vehicle.
707.4 CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF THE ARMORED RESCUE VEHICLE
(a)It can accommodate up to 12 officers with gear inside the vehicle. Several additional
officers can be transported on the skids surrounding the vehicle for short distances
within the city; however, this method should not be employed when a threat of gun fire
exists and officers shall wear helmets while the vehicle is in transport.
(b)The Armored Rescue Vehicle provides ballistic protection above and beyond a
standard patrol car with more interior space for conducting evacuations/rescues.
(c)Eight ports are co-located near the available vision blocks and can be opened and
closed from the interior of the vehicle.
(d)Rotating turret on the roof of the vehicle allows one officer to hold an elevated position
with 360 degree movement and rotating cover.
(e)Equipped with emergency lights and siren.
707.5 DEPLOYMENT APPROVAL AND LOGISTICS
Use of an Armored Rescue Vehicle shall be limited to police personnel trained in the deployment
and operation of the armored vehicle. Its deployment shall be approved by the scene supervisor
and authorized by the on duty Division Lieutenant or their designee. A key to the Armored Rescue
Vehicle will be stored in the sergeant's office and can only be issued by the Division Lieutenant
or his/her designee. The vehicle runs diesel fuel only and should be filled after each deployment,
prior to storage. All equipment in the vehicle shall be secured within and the key returned to
the sergeant's office immediately after use. The Armored Rescue Vehicle's deployment shall be
documented on the Resume.
707.6 SUMMARY
The availability and deployment of the Armored Rescue Vehicle within Field Operations provides
officers with an additional safety resource, affording them and the community greater protection
in handling critical situations. The decision and manner in which to deploy this asset will be based
on the tactical concerns the incident commander may face when addressing high risk incidents
or threats to the community.