Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
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4.5 Patrol: Organization and Administration
4.5.16 Special -Purpose Vehicle Deployment (Revised: 5/16/23 )
The Police Department utilizes the following special -purpose vehicles:
A. Bicycles
Police Department equips and maintains a fleet of bicycles to be utilized:
1. To patrol areas where use of conventional patrol vehicles is not practical or suitable
2. In any instance where the Police Department deems the use of bicycle patrol would better
serve the needs of the public
Bicycle Patrol officers will wear Police Department -approved uniforms that readily identify them
as members of the Police Department, as noted in General Order 4.7.7(B), “Uniforms and
Equipment – Bicycle Officers.”
Only officers who have received trainin g as outlined in General Order, 4.5.14, “Bicycle Patrol”
are authorized to operate the Police Bicycle.
B. Command Post/SUV
The Department maintains a Command Post/SUV for use in special situations. Uses of the SUV
may include: mobile command, surveillance , utility/equipment transportation and personnel
transportation (General Order 4.7.3, “Required Operational Equipment”). The vehicle is
maintained by FSD personnel and any service or problems are reported to the Equipment Officer
for repair. No special tra ining is required to operate the vehicle; however, use of the SUV must be
authorized by the Watch Commander.
C. Dual Sport Motorcycles
1. Police Department equips and maintains police dual purpose motorcycles. The
motorcycles shall be marked with the UC SF Police star and equipped with an emergency
“red” lamp visible from the front and a siren. The police dual purpose motorcycles are
utilized:
a. To patrol areas where use of conventional patrol vehicles is not practical or
suitable
b. In any instance in which the Police Department deems the use of dual sport
motorcycle patrol would better serve the needs of the public.
2. Patrol officers assigned to operate a dual sport motorcycle will wear Police Department -
approved uniforms that readily identify them as members of the Police Department as
noted in General Order 4.5.21(D), “Dual Sport Motorcycle Patrol – Uniform Standards.”
3. Only officers who have received training as outlined in General Order, 4.5.21(C), “Dual
Sport Motorcycle Patrol – Training” are authorized to operate the Police dual sport
motorcycle.
4. Police dual purpose motorcycles may initiate a pursuit but must yield involvement to a
four-wheeled, marked patrol vehicle, as noted in General Order 4.6.9 (B)(2), ”
Emergency Vehicle Operation ‒ Vehicle Pursuits."
D. All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
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The police ATV is assigned to the FSD t o be used for official purposes. The ATV may be used by
any member of the Department with the approval of the unit supervisor or without approval in an
emergenc y. The intent of this policy is to allow the use of the ATV in any situation in which it
may be required. At no time will the ATV be used contrary to state laws or any Department or
University policy.
1. The Police ATV may only be used for official purposes.
2. Crash incidents, including minor damage, shall be reported to the on -duty Watch
Commander or supervisor as soon as possible. As with any incident involving University -
owned property, a damage/incident report must be completed.
3. Authorization to Operate
a. Members assigned to Special Events are authorized to operate the ATV when
needed.
b. Other members of the Department are authorized to operate the ATV when
approved by the unit supervisor or in emergencies.
4. Maintenance
a. The Special Events/Investigations Unit supervisor, working with the Fleet
Manager, is responsible for ensuring the ATV is properly maintained and
repaired when necessary.
b. The ATV shall be equipped with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
5. Operation
a. Prior to operating the ATV, members should familiarize themselves with the
safety limitations of the vehicle. Atte ntion should be given to braking, steering
and the rollover potential associated with the height of the vehicle.
b. ATVs should be operated in a safe manner at all times. Reckless and unsafe
operation is prohibited.
c. Warning/hazard lights should be activ ated while traveling on or near roadways.
The Police ATV is not street legal.
d. The ATV has safety belts, which must be worn at all times when the vehicle is in
motion.
e. The ignition key should be removed from the vehicle if it is to be left unattended.
f. The ATV should be parked at the Police Department when not in use.