doc_3105767

WINDERMERE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Definitions 4. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the operation and maintenance of the agency’s special purpose vehicles. 2. Policy It shall be the policy of the Windermere Police Department that sworn members authorized by the Chief or his/her designee, be properly trained in the use of special purpose vehicles. Special purpose vehicles can be used as tools to aid the department, citizens, and other public safety agencies in certain situations. 3. Defini tions A. Special Purpose Vehicle – A vehicle used because of considerations of weather, terrain, or special operational needs, etc. This includes an all -terrain vehicle (ATV), boats, and bicycles. 4. Procedures A. All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) 1. The agency’s ATV is a specialized off -road vehicle mainly intended for driving on land and surfaces not suitable to patrol vehicles. Effective Date: March , 2024  Rescinds New Policy Number: 6.21 SUBJECT : Special Purpose Vehicle s Print Date: 03/08 /24 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month : March 6.21 , Page 2 2. The ATV may be used during certain situations such as, but not limited to the following : [14.02A] a. To improve the agency’s ability to search for missing persons in wooded areas and overgrown shorelines withing the community. b. For the speedy recovery of trapped citizens due to large scale natural disasters such as tornados, hurricanes, etc. c. To transport manpower, equipment and supplies to locations not readily accessible by patrol vehicles. d. For the coordination and involvement of special events . e. To access roadways in town that could potentially be challenging for a conventional patrol vehicle to navigate efficiently and effectively. f. To maneuver through congested areas, provide enhanced secu rity, monitor large crowds, and allow for a more rapid response time. 3. Authorization to utilize the agency’s ATV will be granted by the Chief of Police who may designate a member to oversee its usage. [14.02A] 4. Members are not permitted to drive the ATV until they have been instructed on how to properly operate it and the limitations of i ts use. [14.02B] a. Members authorized to drive the ATV shall have the following: 1. Valid Florida driver’s license. 2. Demonstrated ability to operate the ATV i n a safe manner. 5. Members shall operate the ATV in a safe and cautious manner to ensure the safety of the operator, passenger, pedestrians, and drivers of other vehicles. a. The ATV shall be operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. b. The ATV shall be operated at normal speeds as appropriate and lawful to the terrain on which it is being driven. c. Members operating the ATV shall ensure that both they and any passengers are wearing their seatbelt. 6.21 , Page 3 6. Regularly scheduled maintenance and repairs to the ATV will be the responsibility of the Chief of Police who may designate a member to oversee maintenance and repairs. [14.02C] 7. The ATV shall be thoroughly washed down after use in off -road environments. 8. The following supplies and equipment shall be maintained in the ATV at all times. [14.02D] a. Basic first aid kit. b. Disposable gloves. c. Fire extinguisher. 9. It will be the responsibility of the member operating the ATV to ensure all supplies and equipment are replenished as needed. B. Marine Patrol , Enforcement and Operation 1. Marine patrol will be used for mutual aid on the Butler Chain of Lakes and for perimeter security for the Town of Windermere to include code violations. The police boat will only be used on the water for patrol with the authorization of the on -duty superv isor. No enforcement action of boating violations will be performed while utilizing the boat , unless authorized under Mutual Aid by the appropriate authorities. a. The police boat shall be operated in a safe manner with regard for the safety of persons an d property. All Coast Guard regulations, local ordinances and state statutes will apply during the operation of the boat. b. During normal operation of the boat, members will wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket. c. All civilians engaged in the opera tion of the boat will wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket. d. When operating the boat and responding to a marine emergency, the operator will use the blue light and siren, if equipped, and respond as expeditiously as possible with due regard for the s afety of persons and property on the water. Members are reminded that the boat operator is responsible for the wake and subsequent damage caused by the wake of the boat. 6.21 , Page 4 e. If additional resources are needed, members may request assistance from such sourc es as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission or the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol or Dive Team. 2. Operator Qualifications [14.02 B] a. The member must be off probation. b. The member must have the ability to swim. c. The member must successfully complete the U.S. Coast Guard boating course. d. The member must complete training on the operation of the boat, to include upkeep and