HCSD — Standard Operating Procedures

702.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

Employees are responsible for assisting in maintaining Department vehicles so that they are properly equipped, properly maintained, properly refueled and present a clean appearance.

702.2 DEFECTIVE VEHICLES

When a department vehicle becomes inoperative or in need of repair that affects the safety of the vehicle, that vehicle shall be removed from service for repair. Proper documentation shall be promptly completed by the employee who first becomes aware of the defective condition, describing the correction needed. The paperwork shall be promptly forwarded to vehicle maintenance for repair.

702.2.1 DAMAGE OR POOR PERFORMANCE

Vehicles that may have been damaged, or perform poorly shall be removed from service for inspections and repairs as soon as practicable.

702.2.2 SEVERE USE

Vehicles operated under severe-use conditions, which include operations for which the vehicle is not designed or that exceed the manufacturer’s parameters, should be removed from service and subjected to a safety inspection as soon as practicable. Such conditions may include rough roadway or off-road driving, hard or extended braking, pursuits or prolonged high-speed operation.

702.2.3 REMOVAL OF WEAPONS

All firearms, weapons and control devices shall be removed from a vehicle and properly secured in the department armory prior to the vehicle being released for maintenance, service or repair.

702.3 VEHICLE EQUIPMENT

Certain items shall be maintained in all department vehicles for emergency purposes and to perform routine duties.

702.3.1 PATROL VEHICLES

Deputies shall inspect the patrol vehicle at the beginning of the shift and ensure that the following equipment, at a minimum, is present in the vehicle:

• 20 Emergency road flares
• 2 Sticks yellow crayon or chalk
• 1 Roll Crime Scene Barricade Tape
• 1 First aid kit, CPR mask
• 1 Blanket
• 1 Blood-borne pathogen kit, Incl. protective gloves
• 1 Sharps container
• 1 Hazardous waste disposal bag
• 1 Traffic Safety Vest
• 1 Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Handbook
• 1 Evidence collection kit
• 1 Camera

702.3.2 UNMARKED VEHICLES

An employee driving unmarked department vehicles shall ensure that the minimum following equipment is present in the vehicle:

• 20 Emergency road flares
• 1 Roll Crime Scene Barricade Tape
• 1 First aid kit, CPR mask
• 1 Blanket
• 1 Blood-borne pathogen kit, Incl. protective gloves
• 1 Sharps container
• 1 Hazardous waste disposal bag
• 1 Traffic Safety Vest
• 1 Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Handbook
• 1 Evidence collection kit
• 1 Camera

702.4 VEHICLE REFUELING

Absent emergency conditions or supervisor approval, deputies driving patrol vehicles shall not place a vehicle in service that has less than one-quarter tank of fuel. Vehicles shall only be refueled at the authorized location.

702.5 WASHING OF VEHICLES

All units shall be kept clean at all times and weather conditions permitting, shall be washed as necessary to enhance their appearance.

Deputies in patrol shall obtain clearance from the dispatcher before responding to the car wash. Only one marked unit should be at the car wash at the same time unless otherwise approved by a supervisor.

Employees using a vehicle shall remove any trash or debris at the end of their shift.

Confidential material should be placed in a designated receptacle provided for the shredding of this matter.

Vehicle Maintenance

702.6 NON-SWORN EMPLOYEE USE

Non-sworn employees using marked vehicles shall ensure all weapons are removed from vehicles before going into service. Non-sworn employees shall also prominently display the “out of service” placards or lightbar covers at all times. Non-sworn employees shall not operate the emergency lights or siren of any vehicle unless expressly authorized by a supervisor.

Vehicle Use