Policy
Patrol vehicles shall be inspected before each watch by the officer using the vehicle. Officers must check for missing equipment and defects to the vehicle. Defects to a squad or unmarked vehicle shall be reported by the inspecting officer as follows:
- Damage that may have resulted from an accident shall be immediately reported to the supervisor, who shall ensure that the proper procedure for reporting an accident involving police vehicles is followed. The inspecting officer shall also document the damage on the Daily Activity Report (MP-3006) and have it signed by the supervisor.
- Minor problems or damage (i.e., a squeak or dome light out) shall be recorded by the inspecting officer on the Equipment Work Order Log (MP-5400) found in each vehicle. This type of damage will be fixed during the vehicle's regularly scheduled maintenance day.
- Problems or damage to a vehicle that potentially threatens officer safety (i.e., headlight or siren out, radio not working, etc.) should be recorded by the inspecting officer on the Equipment Work Order Log and reported to the supervisor immediately. The supervisor shall assign a replacement vehicle and arrange for the damaged vehicle to be taken to the Royalston Maintenance Facility for repairs.
A supervisor from each precinct shall inspect the squads assigned to that precinct once a week during the Day Watch. This inspection shall include checking the oil level in each vehicle and filling if necessary. The inspection shall be documented on the vehicle section of the Personnel/Vehicle Inspection form (MP-6478). The completed inspection report shall be given to the commander who is responsible for ensuring that deficiencies are corrected. Completed inspection reports will be kept on file at each precinct according to the City's records retention schedule.
Investigative division commanders or their designees shall conduct monthly inspections of all unmarked and undercover vehicles assigned to their command. This inspection shall include checking the oil level in each vehicle and filling if necessary. The inspection results shall be reported on the vehicle section of the Personnel/Facility Inspection sheet and kept on file in the investigative division's office according to the City's records retention schedule.
Definitions
Refer to the Commonly Used Terms page for general definitions.
- Police Vehicles:
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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.
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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.
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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.