4-406 - Take-Home Vehicles

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.