Policy Text
Court Security Division Page 1 of 3 3/11 (NEW 6/11)
Procedures: Vehicle Inspection and Operation
The purpose of this Operations Or der is to establish procedures for the inspection, safe
operation, and security of a ll departmental vehicles, assigned to the Court Security
Division I. Policy
A. Personnel assigned to the Cour t Security Division shall alwa ys operate
Department vehicles in a safe m anner consistent with existing c onditions.
Inspection and security of vehicl es is an integral part of that safe
operation.
1. General Order 6/02.1 (REV 8/99)
II. Inspection
A. Prior to the initial daily oper ation of a Sheriff’s vehicle, a vehicle inspection
shall be conducted. An inspection ensures the vehicle is in pr oper
mechanical condition.
1. The inspection should minimally include the following, as
applicable:
a. Exterior
(1) Damage and Cleanliness (2) Fluid leaks (3) Headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals (4) Emergency lighting (flash ing amber, front solid red)
(5) Windshield wipers (6) Tire condition and pressure (7) Horn and/or siren b. Interior (1) Damage and cleanliness (2) Mileage (service due?) (3) Oil and coolant levels
Court Security Division Page 2 of 3 3/11 (NEW 6/11) (4) Fuel level (at least 1/2 tank)
(5) Seat belts (6) Communications radio
B. Vehicles that are within 50 m iles of the service due tag sho uld not be
driven.
1. The vehicle should be written up immediately and turned in f or
service.
C. If new damage, a mechanical def ect, or missing equipment is discovered,
a supervisor shall be c ontacted immediately.
1. The supervisor should inspec t the vehicle and decide if the vehicle
is to be operated or turned in for service.
D. Inspection Log 1. The Division Commander, Assi stant Commander, or Satellite
Facilities Commander may requi re that an inspection log be
completed on a daily, or other, basis.
a. With the exception of vehi cles assigned to the Short-Haul
Transportation Unit, a facility supervisor may designate who
conducts the daily inspection.
b. Supervisors shall periodically review inspection logs and
remove completed pages for filing.
III. Safe Operation
A. Employees shall always operate sheriff’s vehicles in a safe manner
consistent with existing conditions.
B. Every employee of the Sheri ff’s Department shall wear seatbe lts in any
vehicle so equipped. This order will apply to the driver, as w ell as
passengers anytime the vehicle is in motion.
C. When the driver does not hav e a full view of the backing pat h, or is
backing a vehicle that has limit ed visibility, a "spotter" shou ld be used,
when available.
D. When operating the vehicle in an unfamiliar, muddy or rocky environment,
the driver shall exit the vehicl e to check the area on foot to determine the
vehicle’s capability before navigating the terrain.
Court Security Division Page 3 of 3 3/11 (NEW 6/11) E. Recommendations for improving safety while operating motor v ehicles
should be submitted to the employ ee’s immediate supervisor, the
divisional representative on the Sheriff’s Department safety co mmittee, or
directly to the appointed Sheriff’ s Department safety officer.
IV. Vehicle Security
A. To deter theft and ensure the security and protection of sop histicated and
expensive equipment, unless circum stances dictate otherwise, sh eriff's
vehicles shall be secured or locked whenever they are left unat tended.