Policy

Personnel are authorized to claim mileage for the use of their own vehicles for police business. Personal vehicles used for police business shall be used in accordance with restrictions set forth by City Council action.

Policy

Employees operating or riding in City-owned vehicles, or in privately owned vehicles while on City business, shall wear seat and shoulder belts in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Under certain operational needs, sworn personnel may be exempt from wearing the seat and/or shoulder belts.

Policy

Employees shall not alter, add or remove equipment in or out of any MPD vehicle without written permission from their commander and approval from the MPD Police Equipment Specialist.

This policy incorporates the requirements of the City's Driver's License Program that pertain to MPD members. Compliance with this policy is intended to satisfy the requirements of the City’s program.

The purpose of the City’s program is to ensure that every driver for the City of Minneapolis has a valid driver’s license with appropriate endorsement(s). Information about the City’s program is available on the City’s intranet site and may also be obtained by requesting it from the MPD Driver’s License Coordinator.

1. A valid driver's license and confirmed eligibility to drive under this policy are required for anyone operating an MPD vehicle, a City vehicle, or a privately owned or personal vehicle used to conduct MPD business. Any member who fails to comply with this policy may be subject to discipline, up to and including discharge.

2. Without confirmation of a valid driver’s license and appropriate endorsements, members shall not drive to conduct Department or City business, and cannot perform jobs for which the essential functions require the ability to drive.
3. A member who is required to drive as part of their job duties may be subject to discipline, up to and including discharge, if they become ineligible to drive. A member who is required to drive a Department or City vehicle as part of their job duties may be subject to discipline, up to and including discharge, if they are only eligible to drive with restrictions that would prevent them from driving Department or City vehicles.

License Checks

1. The MPD Driver’s License Coordinator or their designee will conduct a check annually to ensure that any member who drives or operates a Department vehicle, City vehicle, or a privately owned or personal vehicle used for MPD business, has a valid driver’s license, without restrictions that would prevent driving Department or City vehicles (if applicable), and the appropriate license endorsements (if applicable).
2. If the MPD has reason to believe that the status of a member’s driver’s license may have changed affecting their eligibility to drive to conduct MPD business, additional checks may be conducted as needed to verify that the driver’s license and applicable endorsements remain valid and to determine if there are any work-related restrictions.
3. Driver’s license checks will also be conducted as needed for any non-sworn member in a new work assignment that requires driving and for a non-sworn member who requests to become an eligible driver.

The Program Form

1. All members will be provided the City of Minneapolis Driver’s Licensing Program-Driver/Operator Information electronic form at least every three years, and shall review the form, complete it, and return it to the MPD Driver’s License Coordinator. Non-sworn members who are not required to drive as part of their work assignment and are not requesting to become an eligible driver, will indicate that information on the form and driver’s license information will not be collected and no driver’s license checks will be conducted.
2. All members who are required to drive as part of their work assignment and all non-sworn members requesting to become an eligible driver, will complete the electronic form in its entirety. Member authorization to conduct driver’s license checks will be effective for three years.

3. Members who do not complete the form will be deemed to have withheld consent for having their driver’s license status checked, and will be considered ineligible to drive under this program.

Request Eligibility to Drive

1. Any member who is not required to drive as part of their essential functions but who would like to become an eligible driver may contact the MPD Driver’s License Coordinator to request eligibility.

2. If a member’s essential functions change to require driving, the member shall contact the MPD Driver’s License Coordinator to request eligibility; this includes all non-sworn new hires.

Provide Information to the Coordinator

1. Members shall show their driver’s license or provide a copy of it to the MPD Driver’s License Coordinator or their designee upon request.
2. Members shall immediately report any changes in their driver’s license status to their supervisor and the MPD Driver’s License Coordinator or their designee.

List of Eligibility

1. The list of eligible MPD drivers will be maintained by the MPD Driver’s License Coordinator or their designee, and will be available to Command Staff.

2. The MPD Driver’s License Coordinator or their designee will notify supervisors of any changes to the eligibility to drive for their subordinates, including confirmation of the eligibility to drive for non-sworn members requesting it or needing it for a new work assignment.

Program Administration

1. The City’s Driver’s License Program will be administered by MPD for MPD members. The Chief of Police will assign the personnel responsible for administering the Driver’s License Program for the MPD.

2. Records related to the Driver’s License Program will be maintained by the MPD Driver’s License Coordinator.

Data Access

Government record data access will be used only to confirm the status of a driver’s license, current restrictions, and adequate endorsement(s) (if applicable), at the time of the data access. This access will not be used to address members’ past driving records, or to record data about their past driving records, other than data related to their current driver’s license status, restrictions and endorsements.

Policy

Parking on Third Avenue between Fourth and Fifth Streets that is posted police parking is restricted to police vehicles only. Employees using these parking facilities shall park only in areas posted for police parking and shall comply with current sign postings.

Parking in all areas of the Haaf Parking Ramp leased by the MPD is restricted to authorized MPD vehicles. Bureau Heads are authorized to approve exceptions to this policy.

1. MPD and City take-home vehicles are issued based upon a need for a timely response to a police incident.
2. Take-home vehicles are provided to enhance effectiveness, unit efficiency and to provide better service to the community and the Department.

Chief’s Authorization Required

1. Only employees authorized by the Chief or the Chief’s designee are allowed take-home vehicles.
2. The Chief or the Chief’s designee will approve the assignment of the specific vehicle issued to each person assigned a take-home vehicle.
3. All new requests and renewal requests shall be submitted via the approved MPD electronic form.

No conversion of time

Assignment of a take-home vehicle does not automatically convert the employee’s time to standby or on-call status.

Responsiveness

Employees issued take-home vehicles are expected to have a high level of responsiveness to Department needs beyond normal work hours.

Only Incidental Personal Use

Unless otherwise specified in a contract or labor agreement, take-home vehicles will only be authorized for personal uses which are incidental to coming and going from work.

No Non-City Drivers

Take-home vehicles shall only be driven by City employees.

Mileage Entry

Employees with a take-home vehicle shall accurately enter the mileage of the vehicle every time it is fueled.

Employees Away from Assignment

1. Employees on leave (including, but not limited to, medical leave, parental leave, etc) shall not use a take-home vehicle for any purpose, including off-duty employment.
2. Employees away from their assignment for more than 5 business days (including illness, vacation, training, etc.) shall coordinate with the Fleet Manager to have the City vehicle returned to the Department in their absence, unless an exception has been approved by the Chief or the Chief’s designee.

List of Take-Home Vehicles

A list of assigned take-home vehicles shall be maintained by the Department’s Fleet Manager (for Police Administration) and the list shall be forwarded weekly to the Deputy Chief of the Professional Standards Bureau.

Factors for Consideration

The below factors are used to consider the approval of a take-home vehicle:

1. Whether the employee’s assignment or duties are subject to emergency call back on a continuing basis and whether the distance the employee lives from the city would allow emergency response on a timely basis.
2. Whether the employee lives close to their work assignment. Employees who live more than 30 miles away from their regular work assignment will generally not be assigned a take-home vehicle.
3. Whether practical arrangements can be made to keep the vehicle within city limits but still be reasonably available to the employee if not a city resident.
4. Whether other conditions exist, not based on usage, which make it in the City's best interest to allow take-home privileges, such as compensation considerations or the employee’s current employment agreement.
5. Whether the employee can demonstrate need based on number of meetings attended, miles driven, or related factors including, but not limited to, assignment, duties or position. Take-home vehicle assignments are based upon the employee’s specific position and job duties, not based on assignment to a specific unit or division.
6. Whether the employee has a past history of misuse of City vehicles.
7. Other factors as determined by the Chief of Police.

Contractual Agreements

Contractual provisions may apply regarding take-home vehicles, and shall supersede any conflicting requirements of this policy unless and until amended.

Policy

Employees are responsible for reviewing the charge slips prior to signing them. Charge slip review shall include verification of the number of gallons of gasoline, the dollar amount and that no merchandise charges other than oil are listed.

Employees shall enter the following information into the computer or by hand on the credit card charge slip:

• Their employee number
• The current vehicle mileage
• Vehicle Property Number (P#)

After all the information is completed, employees shall sign the charge slip with their legible signature - full rank and name (no initials).

For credit cards without the MPD name, the above procedures must be followed excluding rank on the charge slip.

Purchases are authorized only for the vehicle P# on the credit card.

Policy

Supervisors shall collect all gas charge slips weekly and are responsible for checking them to ensure that all charges are valid and that all required information is on each slip. Once reviewed, gas charge slips shall be bundled, tagged with the supervisor's name, employee number and location, and forwarded to the MPD Police Equipment Specialist weekly.

Supervisors shall include a memo explaining any variations to MPD policy found in their review of the gas charge slips.

Policy

If a service/fueling station or other company billing lists charges unaccounted for by the charge slips remitted, supervisors responsible for the vehicles listed on the charge will investigate the charges and take appropriate corrective actions.

Policy

All precincts/units/divisions with assigned motor vehicles shall maintain a motor vehicle pool. Keys for vehicles not being used shall be kept in a secure location.

Unless specifically ordered by the Police Equipment Specialist, all precinct/unit/division vehicles are to be available to all personnel within that division/unit. Requests for temporary or permanent assignment must be directed to the MPD Police Equipment Specialist.

A central pool of vehicles is available to employees from precincts/units/divisions that have no assigned vehicles or have all of their vehicles signed out. Employees needing a vehicle shall contact the MPD Police Equipment Specialist or the Operations Development Unit.

Policy

Any MPD employee involved in an accident while in a City vehicle, or any vehicle while on official duty, shall immediately notify the dispatcher to send a Traffic Investigation squad and supervisor to the scene of the accident. If the accident occurs outside of the City of Minneapolis and it is not practical for a Traffic Investigation squad to respond, the employee shall notify the local law enforcement agency to respond and complete the traffic accident investigation. The employee shall notify their supervisor as soon as practical. Every effort shall be made to leave the vehicle(s) in the position it came to rest following the accident. (4/18/08)

Sworn employee(s) involved in a vehicle accident while on-duty shall complete a CAPRS report and statement, including the vehicle P# involved in the incident. If an employee is unable to complete this report, the employee’s supervisor shall complete the report and the employee shall complete their statement as soon as they are able. Copies of the report shall be forwarded to the employee’s Commander, prior to the end of the employee's shift. CAPRS reports completed for accidents involving marked or unmarked police vehicles shall use the code SQUADA. (04/18/08)

Sworn employee(s) assigned to investigate an accident scene involving a City vehicle driven by another sworn employee shall gather the necessary information from the persons involved and complete a State of Minnesota Traffic Accident Report State of Minnesota Traffic Accident Report (PS-32003-07), including vehicle P#. (4/18/08)

Sworn employee(s) assigned to investigate an accident scene involving a City vehicle driven by an MPD civilian employee (including Traffic Control and Community Service Officers) shall gather the necessary information from the persons involved and complete a State of Minnesota Traffic Accident Report as well as a CAPRS report and statement. The CAPRS report shall be titled CITYA and include the vehicle # or P# of the vehicle involved. Civilian employees involved in the accident may be asked to complete a statement. (4/18/08)

If damage occurs to a City vehicle that was not the result of a traffic accident, the MPD employee responsible for the vehicle and/or the MPD employee who discovers the damage shall notify their immediate supervisor, who shall make arrangements to have the vehicle repaired. Towing needed for MPD vehicles must be ordered through the Auto Desk. (4/18/08)

Policy

A sworn supervisor shall be required to proceed to accident scenes involving MPD and Traffic Control vehicles and complete a CAPRS supplement regarding the accident.

Policy

If a Traffic Unit squad is not available, the supervisor shall assign the investigation of the accident to an officer not involved as a driver or passenger in the accident. The investigating officer shall complete the Minnesota State Traffic Accident Report (PS62003-06) and a CAPRS supplement that includes all details of the accident.

Policy

The Traffic Unit shall maintain records of squad car accidents.

• Confidential Informant:

  A person who cooperates with a law enforcement agency confidentially in order to protect the person or the MPD’s intelligence gathering or investigative efforts, and:

  1. Seeks to:
     1. Avoid arrest or prosecution for a crime; or
     2. Mitigate punishment for a crime in which a sentence will be or has been imposed; or
     3. Receive a monetary or other benefit;
  2. Is able, by reason of the person’s familiarity or close association with suspected criminals, to:
     1. Make a controlled buy or controlled sale of contraband, controlled substance, or other items that are material to a criminal investigation;
     2. Supply regular or constant information about suspected or actual criminal activities to a law enforcement agency;
     3. Otherwise provide information important to ongoing criminal intelligence gathering or criminal investigative efforts.
• Critical Incident:

  An incident involving any of the following situations occurring in the line of duty:

  • The use of Deadly Force by or against a Minneapolis Police Officer
  • Death or Great Bodily Harm to an officer
  • Death or Great Bodily Harm to a person who is in the custody or control of an officer
  • Any action by an officer that causes or is intended to cause Death or Great Bodily Harm
• Investigation: A structured process of gathering, examining, and evaluating facts and evidence to determine what occurred, assess compliance with laws and policies, and support appropriate actions or decisions.
• Out of Town: Travel outside the seven-county metro area
• Police Vehicles:
  1. Fully Marked Squad Car: Any vehicle used by the MPD that has clearly identifying police markings, emergency lights visible from front, sides and rear, siren, and a manufacturer's rating to make it suitable for pursuits. Currently, the Ford Crown Victoria, Ford Police Interceptor SUV, Chevrolet Caprice, and the Chevy Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) are the only vehicles in the MPD Fleet with such a rating.
  2. Low Profile Squad Car: Any vehicle used by the MPD that has a permanent or temporary MPD door marking, emergency lights visible from front, sides and rear, siren, and a manufacturer's rating to make it suitable for pursuits.
  3. Unmarked Squad Car: Any vehicle used by the MPD not clearly identified with a shield, logo or department name that has emergency lights visible from the front, sides and rear, and a manufacturer’s rating to make it suitable for pursuits.
• Reports and Statements: Police Report: A report or statement in a report that sets forth the officer's account of an incident and is entered into the MPD's Records Management System. Public Safety Statement: A mandatory statement from the Involved Officers which provides information necessary to ensure public safety. This may include questions about the direction in which the Involved Officer fired their firearm, injured people, location of dangerous weapons or information on any suspects still at large and any other information necessary to facilitate the commencement of the investigation. Voluntary Statement: A statement given by Involved or Witness Officers to Investigations Bureau Investigators which is voluntary and outlines details associated with the Critical Incident. Voluntary statements from officers are essential for bringing criminal charges against suspects, defending officers, and maintaining community trust by providing the Chief of Police with sufficient information to appropriately address community concerns. Voluntary statements will be taken in question and answer (Q&A) format.
• Use of Force:

  An intentional contact, directly or indirectly (such as through a weapon or force device), with someone’s body, that causes pain or injury or restricts, controls or directs someone’s movement. Intentionally placing someone in fear of such contact or threatening such contact can also constitute force. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • The use of any weapon, substance, vehicle, equipment, tool, device or animal that inflicts pain or produces injury.
  • Any physical strike to any part of the body.
  • Any physical contact or threat of contact by the member or a weapon that causes or threatens to cause pain or injury.
  • Any physical contact or threat of physical contact by the member that results in physical restriction or manipulation of movement.
  • Unholstering or displaying a weapon when engaged with a subject or subjects, or pointing a weapon at a person.