Chapter 6 - Equipment
Policy 600: Vehicle Maintenance
600.1 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.
600.2 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.
600.2.1 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.
600.3 VEHICLE EQUIPMENT
Certain items shall be maintained in all department vehicles for emergency purposes and to perform routine duties.
600.3.1 PATROL VEHICLES
Officers 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:
- Emergency road flares
- Yellow crayon or chalk
- Roll Hazard Scene Barricade Tape
- First aid kit, CPR mask
- Blanket
- Blood-borne pathogen kit, Incl. protective gloves
- Hazardous waste disposal bag
- Traffic Safety Vest
600.4 VEHICLE REFUELING
Absent emergency conditions or supervisor approval, officers driving patrol vehicles shall not use a vehicle with less than a half tank of fuel. Vehicles shall only be refueled at the authorized location.
600.5 WASHING OF VEHICLES
All vehicles shall be washed to maintain their appearance. Employees using a vehicle shall remove any trash or debris at the end of their shift.