NCJ Number
87635
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 50 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1983) Pages: 25-37
Date Published
1983
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This series of articles focusing on police vehicles addresses such concerns as accidents involving police officers, reduction of fuel cost, and appropriate pursuit policy.
Abstract
Police administrators recognize that major vehicle accidents among on-duty police officers are a frequent cause of police inefficiency. Repair and replacement due to such accidents constitute a major strain on the police budget. A recent survey of 416 Tennessee law enforcement officers revealed that most accidents involve eight-cylinder police sedans as opposed to four or six cylinder vehicles, that patrol officers assigned vehicles on a take-home basis were involved in fewer accidents than those who used fleet vehicles, and that most officers were not required to pay for damages to their vehicles. Administrators should consider these factors when implementing strategies aimed at reducing vehicle accident costs. The cost and limited availability of gasoline has caused many police departments to seek alternatives. In Brewton, Al., the city switched its entire fleet of 20 cars and trucks from gasoline to compressed natural gas, with satisfactory results. Fuel bills have dropped dramatically, and carbon buildup in the engine and oil has been reduced. In Englewood, Ohio, propane fuel has proven to be a suitable alternative to gasoline; it has been both cost effective and safe, providing benefits to both the public and police. With regard to police vehicle pursuit, the most vital concern is that proper actions and procedures are carried out to protect the lives of the suspect, innocent users of the roadway, and police personnel. There are a number of excellent pursuit policies in various police agencies which can serve as models for other departments. These policies are carefully written, cover many associated issues, urge consideration of the seriousness of the offense balanced against the danger of the pursuit, and provide for the discontinuance of the pursuit. Photographs, 3 references, and 24 footnotes are provided in the series.