E.P.P. 056
LONGWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT
ENFORCEMENT POLICY & PROCEDURE
NUMBER: EPP – 56
SUBJECT: SPECIALIZED VEHICLES
EFFECTIVE: DECEMBER 12, 2014
REVISED: JANUARY 1, 2024
ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE
SPECIALIZED VEHICLES
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I. PURPOSE
This directive provides guidance for enforcement personnel in the use and operation of
agency vehicles that have specific law enforcement applications.
II. SCOPE
Specialized vehicles are available to meet demands for non-routine patrol and other law
enforcement applications. Their objective is to fulfill specialized law enforcement needs
that cannot be met through use of standard patrol vehicles.
The chief of police, or his designee, authorizes the use of the special purpose vehicles
listed in this policy by properly trained personnel.
III. GENERAL
A. The chief of police, or his designee, will authorize and assign members to operate
special purpose vehicles as necessary to carry out the mission of the Longwood
Police Department. In accordance with this directive, authorized personnel
include trained law enforcement officers and civilian members assigned to the
following department components:
1. Traffic enforcement operations
2. Canine operations
3. Citizen On Patrol members
4. Bicycle Patrol
B. It is incumbent upon authorizing personnel to ensure designated users are
thoroughly trained in the operation of specialized vehicles, and possess any
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necessary license or other certification as may be required by law. Personnel
trained and authorized to use the vehicles may provide on-the-job training for
new user employees.
C. Authorized personnel may use specialized vehicles as needed for routine patrol
or to provide emergency services. Specialized vehicles may be used to provide for
special needs including;
1. Routine law enforcement patrol
2. Specialty traffic enforcement and safety education
3. Transportation of law enforcement canines
4. Community relations demonstrations and/or displays
D. Vehicle operators shall follow the instructions of state law, vehicle operation
manuals, or other directives or training when operating specialized vehicles.
Specialized vehicles are designed for specific usages, and should not be used
under any other circumstances.
E. Every member who operates a Longwood Police Department vehicle shall do so
responsibly and with due regard for the safety of all persons and property. A
member shall be held accountable for damage to a police department vehicle
caused by misuse or abuse.
IV. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
A. First-line supervisors are responsible for the regular inspection of, and ensuring
the routine maintenance of, the specialized vehicles under their span of control.
B. Personnel assigned and authorized to use specialized vehicles are required to
clean, fuel (or charge), and schedule the service of assigned vehicles. Defects will
be reported to the member’s supervisor and repair will be requested through the
chain-of-command.
C. Vehicles will be locked and secured against theft when not in use.
V. EQUIPMENT
Equipment is provided for each specialized vehicle commensurate with its mission. A
minimum level of equipment to be carried in, or attached to, the vehicle shall consist of;
A. Motorcycles:
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Law enforcement motorcycles provide the ability to quickly respond to traffic
crashes or to other traffic related situations where traditional marked vehicles
would be impractical. Motorcycles shall be equipped with at least the following:
1. Longwood Police Department identification decals
2. Emergency lighting and siren
3. Storage compartments
B. Canine Vehicles:
Vehicles used to transport police canines contain necessary equipment to permit
an officer and their assigned canine to effectively conduct searches, recover
evidence, detect narcotics, and protect law enforcement officers and others.
Canine vehicles are equipped with at least the following:
1. Longwood Police Department identification and appropriate canine
decals
2. Equipment assigned to conventional patrol vehicles
3. Interior canine cage
4. Portable water receptacle
5. Heat monitor
C. ATV (All Terrain Vehicle):
The vehicle is utilized at community relations events and on school grounds. ATV
is equipped with at least the following:
1. Longwood Police Department identification decals
2. Emergency lighting
3. Tail lamps
4. Head lamps
5. Horn
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D. Police Bicycle:
The police mountain bicycle provides the ability to proactively patrol or quickly
respond to police related situations in areas or during times when normal patrol
vehicle access is restricted. Police mountain bicycles are equipped with at least
the following:
1. Headlight
2. Tail light
3. Helmet
E. Golf Cart:
Golf Carts are utilized by Police and Citizens on Patrol Members mostly for
community events in the City of Longwood. Golf Carts are equipped with at least
the following:
1. Longwood Police Department or Citizens on Patrol identification decals
2. Headlight
3. Reflectors
F. Trailer:
Trailers may be used by members to transport ATVs, Golf Carts, and other
vehicles and can be used in community events. All trailers will be equipped with
the following:
1. Tail lamps
2. Turn signals
3. Brake lights
4. Safety chains