FREE e-Newsletter
Important News - Hot Topics
Get them Now!
Subscribe to This Thread

Take Home Cruiser Program

8/1/2007 7:20 PM
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 1

Take Home Cruiser Program

My department has 7 full-time officers. I would consider the chief to be working retired and refuses to look into anything that would better the police department. Because of the size of the department we are required to take call often. We barely get compensated for court (time or mileage), and have on many instances had to use our personal vehicles for work related tasks (evidence transport, training, court...etc).

I would like to propose a take-home cruiser program. I have a few ideas of how to fund the program, but need more information regarding the effectiveness, cost analysis, pros & cons, from other similar departments that do have issued vehicles.

If you have access to a policy regarding the vehicle program, or have a copy of a proposal that may have been submitted to your agency, I would like to be contacted and have that information forwarded to me.

Steve

sgahan_jp@yahoo.com
REPLY 1  -  2  of  2
8/3/2007 5:50 AM #1
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 72

RE: Take Home Cruiser Program

Steve,
Typically take home assigned units are better maintained. There should be alot of research info available on-line. We have a take home program, but it is limited to 1 mile outside the jurisdictional limits of the City, so it's too restictive to actually be of use. I think it should be based upon a reasonable response time versus distance. You may try calling the Travis Co TX SO Admin, they have a pretty liberal program.
8/9/2007 8:47 PM #2
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 77

RE: Take Home Cruiser Program

I know of several agencies that do this. One of those agencies made it mandatory that the officer use the vehicle while off duty. That includes taking it shopping, etc. This allowed the Sheriff to have increased police presence in all areas of the county. Some guys felt like they were cops 24/7, but for a free car, insurance and gas in this day and age....thats still a good deal.

SELLING POINT: The perception of more cops on the streets is always good for lower crime and re-election for the incumbent Sheriff.

Police Magazine