Police Vehicle Readiness
Policy text
Source details
Source file: 4.14 Police Vehicle Readiness.pdf. Policy dates appear on the original cover. Page links use the PDF's page order.
M.G.L. links open the Massachusetts Legislature’s website. Citations with no matching section open the cited chapter directory.
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Policy & Procedures No. 4.14
Subject:
Police Vehicle Readiness
Issuing Authority: Effective Date: Review Date:
Chief of Police 10/13/2013 09/23/2023
References:
Review
Revision 9/18/2014
Reissued 10/24/2014
Dates: 03/11/2015
02/12/2017
03/10/2019
05/20/2020
CALEA STANDARDS
41.1.3 41.3.2 41.3.5
41.3.1 41.3.3 61.3.3
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND GUIDELINES
All Canton Police Department personnel who operate department motor vehicles will comply
with safe driving procedures herein, with particular attention paid to procedures for responding
to calls for police service or engaging in pursuits. Emergency warning lights and siren shall be
used in a manner consistent with safe performance of the police function and the safety of the
public and police personnel.
Police vehicles are conspicuous symbols of authority on the streets, and the actions of police
drivers are observed by many. This places the responsibility on each police driver to set a visible
example of good driving behavior and habits.
Chapter 89, Section 7-B, of the Massachusetts General Laws:
" The driver of a vehicle of a fire, police, or recognized protective department, and the driver of
an ambulance shall be subject to the provisions of any statute, rule, regulation, ordinance, or
bylaw relating to the operation or parking of vehicles, except that a driver of fire apparatus while
going to a fire or responding to an alarm, or the driver of a police or a recognized protective
department or the driver of an ambulance, in an emergency and while in performance of a public
duty or while transporting a sick or injured person to a hospital or other destination where
professional medical services are available, may drive such vehicle at a speed in excess of the
applicable speed limit if he exercises caution and due regard under the circumstances for the
safety of persons and property, and may drive such vehicle through an intersection of ways
contrary to any traffic signs or signals regulating traffic at such intersection if he first brings such
vehicle to a full stop and then proceeds with caution and due regard for the safety of persons and
property, unless otherwise directed by a police officer regulating traffic at such intersection."
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"The driver of any such approaching emergency vehicle shall comply with the provisions of
Mass. Gen. Law, Chap. 90, Sec 14, when approaching a school bus which has stopped to allow
passengers to alight or board from the same, and whose red lamps are flashing."
PROCEDURES
I. SAFE DRIVING OF POLICE VEHICLES: The driver of any department vehicle shall
operate said vehicle in a reasonable and safe manner, exercising due caution and
judgment. S/He shall operate the department vehicle in compliance with the motor
vehicle laws and traffic regulations of the Commonwealth. Seatbelts must be worn by all
occupants (see policy on Detainee Transport) WHEN IN AN ACTUAL PURSUIT OR
WHEN RESPONDING TO AN EMERGENCY, S/HE SHALL STRICTLY ADHERE
TO THE DRIVING PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED FOR THE OPERATION OF
EMERGENCY VEHICLES, MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL LAW, CHAPTER 89,
SECTION 7B. 41.1.4 D
II. LICENSE REQUIREMENTS No person shall operate a department vehicle of any
kind unless he/she has a valid license to operate such vehicle. 41.1.3
III. AUTHORITY TO OPERATE: No person shall operate a department vehicle without
receiving orders or permission from a superior officer authorized to give such orders or
permission. 41.1.3
IV. PASSENGERS: No person shall be permitted to be an occupant or to ride as a passenger
in a department vehicle, except when necessary for the performance of a proper police
duty or unless otherwise authorized by the Chief of Police or his designee.
V. SEATBELTS - POLICE OFFICERS: It is the policy of the Canton Police
Department that all employees utilize seatbelts when a driver or an occupant in any
Department owned vehicle and that vehicle is set in motion. 41.3.3 (2,3)
The use of seatbelts can have a significant effect in reducing the number of deaths and the
severity of injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents. Seatbelts also assist officers
in maintaining proper control of their vehicles during pursuit or emergency high speed
operations. In addition, officers using seatbelts during the deployment of the air bag in a
collision will be held in a position to receive maximum protection. 41.3.3 (2,3)
VI. SEATBELTS - CIVILIANS: In all cases, civilian passengers must wear safety seatbelts
when riding and/or a passenger in a department vehicle. 41.3.3 (5)
VII. SICK AND INJURED PERSONS: Under normal circumstances sick and injured
persons are to be transported by ambulance. Police officers are first responders in many
instances, and as such will provide what assistance they can to sick or injured persons
until the ambulance arrives. Police officers may transport Canton Officers with injuries or
illnesses at the direction of the Shift Supervisor.
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VIII. RESPONSIBILITY FOR VEHICLE: Any member of the department who is assigned
as the operator of a department vehicle, shall be responsible for the instant serviceability
of the vehicle assigned to his use. 41.1.3 E
Officers who operate police vehicles shall at the beginning of their tour of duty inspect
the vehicle assigned to them. The officer will immediately notify his/her Shift Supervisor
of any damage or deficiencies the vehicle may have. The Shift Supervisor will log the
damage, record it on the Shift Activity Report sheet and Fleet Maintenance Board and
notify the Fleet Maintenance Officer with a phone call and/or text. Failure to inspect the
condition of the vehicle upon receipt by the member shall be regarded as neglect of duty.
Superior Officers shall periodically spot check vehicles. 41.3.2 (2)
Officers who operate vehicles are to search their assigned vehicle at the beginning of the
tour of duty for the presence of weapons, contraband, or other items, such as evidence.
Officers will report the findings of all weapons, contrabands, evidence or other items to
the Shift Supervisor immediately. All officers shall conduct a similar search before and
after transporting detainees.
IX. CLEANLINESS OF VEHICLES: All members of the department shall keep the
interiors of department vehicles clean of litter. Any member who is assigned to a vehicle
that he finds to be littered shall note this condition on the Shift Activity Report Form, and
shall also notify his superior officer.
X. PLACING OF ARTICLES IN TRUNKS: No member of the department is to place any
article in the trunk of a department vehicle that may cause damage to radio equipment,
electrical wiring, or other authorized equipment. When in doubt, officers should request
permission from a superior officer before transporting items in the trunk. Articles that
might cause damage if placed in the trunk should be transported by the Department
pickup truck or the Department of Public Works. No dead animals shall be placed in the
trunk. The DPW shall be called and notified of the location and advised to remove the
animal.
XI. PUSHING OR JUMP STARTING ANOTHER VEHICLE: No department vehicle
shall be used for the purpose of pushing another vehicle unless exigent circumstances
exist. If any damage is incurred to the department vehicle or the pushed vehicle, an
incident report will be prepared. No department vehicle shall be used for "jump starting"
a vehicle other than another department vehicle unless exigent circumstances exist.
XII. TOWING OF DEPARTMENT VEHICLES: Towing of department vehicles shall be
done only by towing services contracted by the department, unless otherwise decided by
a Superior Officer.
XIII. OPERATING DEPARTMENT VEHICLE WITH A FLAT TIRE OR
MECHANICAL DEFECT: No member shall operate a department vehicle with a flat
tire or an apparent mechanical defect without prior authority from the Shift Supervisor. In
the event a department vehicle sustains a flat tire, the operator of the vehicle shall notify
the Shift Supervisor and arrangements shall be made to have the flat fixed in a timely
manner. The flat tire shall then be noted on the Daily Log and arrangement shall be made
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to have the repaired flat picked up or a new spare placed in the trunk of the vehicle. If
necessary, the spare from another vehicle may be used.
XIV. OPERATING DEPARTMENT VEHICLE WITH SERIOUS MECHANICAL
DEFECT. Officers shall immediately notify a Shift Supervisor or Superior Officer upon
discovery of a mechanical defect, which would affect the safe operation of the vehicle or
could lead to vehicle damage. A superior officer, upon receipt of such notification, shall
remove the vehicle from service for evaluation and repair, and notify the Fleet
Maintenance Officer.
XV. UNATTENDED POLICE VEHICLES: The operator of a department vehicle shall lock
the ignition and doors as well as remove the keys from his/her vehicle upon leaving the
vehicle unattended (except at accident and/or crime scenes where the vehicle is under the
direct control of the officer.)
XVI. SECURING VEHICLE AT END OF TOUR OF DUTY: At the end of their tour of
duty, officers are to make certain that their vehicles are refueled, windows rolled up, and
lights, radio and ignition are turned off and doors are locked. Deviation from above will
be done at the direction of the Shift Supervisor. The Keys shall be returned to the Cruiser
Key Rack.
XVII. ACCIDENTS INVOLVING DEPARTMENT VEHICLES: All accidents involving
department vehicles shall be investigated by or under the direct supervision of a superior
officer. The following procedures shall be followed by all officers.
A. Immediately contact the Shift Supervisor, who shall respond to the scene. If a
Shift Supervisor or another superior officer is operating the department owned
vehicle, the Deputy Chief shall be notified. He/she will determine who should
investigate the accident. If the Deputy Chief is not available, the Chief of Police
may be notified.
B. Do not move vehicles prior to the arrival of the superior officer if personal injury
or substantial property damage has occurred.
C. Request appropriate assistance (Ambulance, Rescue, etc.). 41.2.4
D. Assist the injured.
E. Cooperate and assist in the investigation as requested by a superior officer.
F. The investigating officer shall conduct a thorough investigation of the accident
and shall, when appropriate:
1. Issue citations.
2. If personal injury or substantial property damage has occurred, the
superior officer assigned shall request that the Deputy Chief or his/her
designee be notified forthwith.
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G. All accidents involving Department owned vehicles shall be photographed.
H. The officer operating the department vehicle shall submit a complete report to
his/her Shift Supervisor, who shall forward this report to the Lieutenant or Deputy
Chief.
I. The superior officer assigned shall submit a report to the Shift Lieutenant or
Deputy Chief. He shall set forth his findings and recommendations relative to the
responsibility or negligence on the part of the operator(s).
J. The Lieutenant or Deputy Chief shall review all documentation and submit a
report with his findings and recommendations to the Chief of Police.
XVIII. USE OF SIRENS AND BLUE LIGHTS: Officers operating department vehicles are to
activate sirens and blue lights as necessary and appropriate. Officers are to exercise good
judgment in the use of sirens when approaching nursing homes or medical facilities
having regard for established quiet zones.
XIX. PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS: All marked patrol vehicles have a public address
system capability which may be used to broadcast emergency messages or to hear radio
transmissions while out of the vehicle for an extended period. Care must be taken that
appropriate volume levels are maintained.
XX. ALLEY LIGHTS AND SPOT LIGHTS: All marked cruisers are equipped with spot
lights and alley lights. Officers are to use these lights as appropriate, but in doing so must
make certain that their use does not create a hazard by blinding or interfering with the
vision of operators of approaching vehicles.
XXI. HAZARDOUS WARNING LIGHTS (EMERGENCY FLASHERS): When stopping a
cruiser in a potentially hazardous location, operators should activate their emergency
flashers and any other lights necessary to maximize the vehicle’s visibility.
XXIV. SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES: The special purpose vehicles utilized by the
department are the Special Operations Vehicle (Supervisor’s Cruiser), Motorcycles,
Utility Terrain Vehicle (Kubota), and Manual Bicycles. 41.1.3
A. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE: Special purpose vehicles shall be used only by
authorized members who are properly licensed. The Chief of Police, Deputy
Chief or a Lieutenant may give authorization for a member to utilize any of the
special purpose’s vehicles. He/she will set the conditions and limitations of
usage. 41.1.3 A,B
If a member wants to utilize a special purpose vehicle for a function other than
authorized in these procedures, he must first obtain the permission of a superior
officer. 41.1.3 A
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B. MOTORCYCLE: The Motorcycle is only to be driven by an officer that has
taken a law enforcement motorcycle safety course and has successfully passed.
S/He must also have the proper license to operate a motorcycle. The motorcycles
shall be under the control of the Head of the MOPS Unit as well as the
Administrative Lieutenant. The Head of MOPS Unit will be responsible for the
maintenance and condition of all department motorcycles. 41.1.3 A, D,E
1. Purposes: The motorcycle serves the following purposes:
a. The motorcycle is a great vehicle for maneuvering through traffic. It
is also a great means for traffic enforcement and escorts. Motorcycle
Units can be utilized to respond special events such as fairs,
demonstrations or to an area that may need additional police presence
will increase exposure. 41.1.3 B
The motorcycle will only be used in locations and weather conditions
that are safe for the operator. 41.1.3 C
2. Equipment: The Motorcycle shall be equipped with blue lights, siren,
radio, and the following: 41.1.3 (1A); 41.3.2
a. First aid kit including nasal narcan;
b. Citation book
c. Other safety equipment such as glasses
C. SUPERVISOR/SPECIAL OPERATIONS VEHICLE: The Supervisor/Special
Operations vehicle is a sport utility vehicle.
1. Purposes-The Supervisor/Special Operations Vehicle shall be under the
control of the Shift Supervisor. It is utilized by the department for both patrol
purposes and to serve as an initial mobile command post for critical incidents
such as riots, demonstrations, search and rescue missions, mass arrest
situations and serious accidents or incidents. 41.1.3 A
2. Equipment –The Special Operations Vehicle shall be equipped with a blue
light, radio, siren and first aid kit. Additional equipment will include but is
not limited to lethal and non-lethal weapons, ammunition for all weapons,
crime scene and accident scene investigative tools and any other equipment
authorized by the Chief of Police. As the equipment that is kept in the
Special Operations Vehicle is likely to change given the needs of a particular
situation/operation, it is not possible to list all possible equipment. The
vehicle/equipment should be checked for operational readiness on a daily
basis by the Supervisor riding in it. Any deficiencies or missing equipment
will be noted on the Shift Summary Sheet as well as on the fleet maintenance
board so that they may be corrected and/or replaced. The Fleet Maintenance
Officer is to be notified forthwith. (S)he is responsible for the maintenance
and condition of the vehicle. 41.1.3 B,E (1A); 41.3.2
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D. BICYCLE: The Administrative Lieutenant shall ensure that officers assigned
to bicycle patrol have the training (police bicycle training/COBWEB) and ability
necessary to perform the required functions assigned to these units. 41.1.2 A
1. Purpose: The bicycle patrol unit serves the following purposes: 41.1.2 B
a. Traffic safety and enforcement
b. Parking enforcement
c. Investigation of routine calls for service, patrolling business
districts in the town, lakes and river ways, parks, and elderly and
other housing projects in the town
d. Minor accident investigations
e. Community Policing
The bicycle patrol will only be used in locations and weather conditions
that are safe for the rider. They can be used both during the daytime and
evening hours and can be assigned by a Shift Supervisor. The senior
officer of the Mountain Bike Unit will be responsible for the condition and
maintenance of the bicycles. 41.1.3 C
2. Equipment: The bicycle shall be equipped with lights (front and rear),
first aid kit, nasal narcan, lock, pump, water bottle and any equipment
authorized by the Chief of Police. No other equipment unless authorized
by the Chief of Police shall be added to any bicycle. All bikes shall be
clearly marked with “POLICE” either on the frame or on the rear bag.
41.1.3 (1A)
E. Detainee Transport Van: 41.1.3 – As of 2/2022 CPD no longer has a van
1. Purpose: The Detainee Transport Van shall be under the control of the shift
supervisor and his/her designee and will be maintained by the Fleet
Maintenance Officer. The Detainee Transport Van serves as a means for
arrestees to be safely and securely transported from one location to another.
All personnel will adhere to the procedures as set forth in the Transport of
Detainees Policy #3.01, when operating the Detainee Transport Van. No
officer shall operate the van without the approval and assignment of the Shift
Supervisor or other superior officer. While the purpose of the van is not for
patrol, if when operating the van an officer observes a serious incident that
they must address, they may do so but should immediately call for a fully
marked unit to respond and assist. If a detainee(s) is present in the van,
officers will adhere to the strict regulations and allowable circumstances as set
forth in the Transporting Detainees Policy, to determine if it is allowable for a
stop to be made. Those officers assigned the van will at no time transport
more detainees that can safely and securely be transported within the unit. At
no time shall the Detainee Transport Van be involved in a High-Speed
Pursuit.
All detainees must be secured with a seatbelt. 41.3.3 (4)
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2. Equipment: 41.1.3 D
1. First Aid Kit
2. Department Radio
3. Overhead lights
4. Extra hand restraint devises
F. Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) – Kubota 41.1.3 B,E
1. Purpose: The UTV comes under the control of the Administrative Lieutenant
or his/her designee. The condition and maintenance will be maintained by the
Fleet Maintenance Officer. This officer will be responsible for giving
instructions on its use prior to any officer operating it. The purpose of the all-
terrain vehicle is to allow for quicker access to locations that are otherwise
inaccessible via a traditional patrol unit. It may be assigned to any police
officer within the agency. Uses may include but are not limited to:
a. access to wooded areas searching for lost, injured or sick persons
b. access on off-road trails searching for lost, injured or sick persons
c. traffic flow assistance at special events such as parades
d. enforcement of the applicable laws pertaining to off road vehicles
e. other legal purposes as identified and authorized by the Chief of Police
or his designee
The UTV will only be operated by a licensed operator in locations and
weather conditions that will allow for the safe operation of this vehicle. The
UTV will not be involved in a High-Speed Pursuit. 41.1.3 A,C,D
2. Equipment: 41.1.3 (1A)
1. First Aid kit
2. Functioning lights
3. Blue light
4. Audible horn
G. Unmarked Vehicles:
1. Chief of Police- The Chief of Police is on call twenty-four (24) hours a
day, seven days a week and at any given time may have to respond to
various emergencies, crime or incident scenes. The Chief of Police shall
use his/her department vehicle at any time for any lawful purpose. There
shall be no restrictions on the carrying of civilians. The Chief of Police
needs to monitor operations intermittently and communicate quickly via
radio or cellular phone which are accessible in his department vehicle.
2. Deputy Chief- The Deputy Chief is on call twenty-four (24) hours a day,
seven days a week (with exception of sick leave and long-term vacation)
and at any given time may have to respond to various emergencies, crime
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or incident scenes. The Deputy Chief shall use his/her department vehicle
at any time for any lawful purpose. There shall be no restrictions on the
carrying of civilians. The Deputy Chief may assume command in the
Chief’s absence and is also expected to monitor operations.
3. OIC Of the Detective Bureau- Must be able to monitor operations of the
department at any given time, and shall respond to emergencies, crime or
incident scenes as necessary. The detective shall be allowed to use his/her
vehicle at any time for any lawful purpose when on call with exception of
sick leave and long-term vacation. There shall be no restrictions on the
carrying of civilians.
4. Lieutenant- Lieutenants are assigned an unmarked vehicle while on their
shift. The only exception would be for a call out involving one of the
specialized units (METRO). There shall be no restrictions on the carrying
of civilians.
NOTE- When on call, Department vehicles may be driven anywhere within
the State. No department vehicle shall be driven out of State at a distance
greater than a 2 Hour Response Time without the authority of the Chief of
Police or his designee.
XXV. EMERGENCY/ACCIDENT POLICE VEHICLE EQUIPMENT: At a minimum, the
following emergency equipment shall be carried in all marked police vehicles. Vehicles
shall be checked daily by the officers riding in them. Any deficiencies shall be noted on
the shift summary sheet and board by the shift supervisor and replenished in a timely
manner. The Shift Supervisor is responsible for notifying the proper officer in charge of
that piece of equipment via email and text, notifying them of the deficiency. 41.3.2
A. Complete first aid kit;
B. AED;
C. Nasal Narcan;
D. Spare tire, jack and wrench;
E. Patrol Rifle
F. Crime Scene tape 41.3.2
XXVI. UNMARKED POLICE VEHICLE EQUIPMENT: At a minimum, the following
equipment will be included in every unmarked patrol car: 41.3.2
A. First aid kit;
B. Nasal Narcan
C. Crime scene tape;
D. Reflective vest;
E. Ballistic vest 41.3.5 (5,6)
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XXVII. POLICE ESCORT SERVICES 61.3.3
To ensure the safety of the community, patrol vehicles equipped with emergency lights
and sirens may provide escort for oversized vehicles, or vehicles carrying hazardous or
unusual cargo. A patrol officer may provide assistance for a short-term situation such as
a construction, delivery or maintenance vehicle crossing or temporarily blocking a
roadway. If it appears that traffic will be affected for more than a few minutes, a
supervisor will determine if an overtime detail needs to be hired. A supervisor will
determine if a private escort will be needed for any oversized vehicles or any vehicles
carrying hazardous or unusual cargo. 61.3.3 A
Patrol vehicles will use their emergency lights and sirens (if appropriate) to provide the
escort of public officials, dignitaries, funeral processions, large pedestrian groups such as
parades, marching bands, protest marches, runners or bicyclists in a race, etc. With the
Chief’s prior approval, these escorts may go out of town.
Patrol vehicles may provide assistance to other emergency vehicles by using lights and
sirens to clear traffic or to block an intersection.
Patrol vehicles shall not be used to escort civilian vehicles to a medical facility. If there
is a medical emergency, an ambulance will be called to provide transportation. 61.3.3 B
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