Ladies and Gentlemen,

This email is to clarify the assignments of the new vehicles.  There have been rumors/talk that Officers are already putting “dibs” on a certain vehicle or just saying that they will take the vehicle because of seniority/preference.  When the vehicles are ready to be released to patrol they will be assigned to the Officer that was previously assigned to that vehicle.  Example: If I was previously assigned to 920 then I will be assigned to the new 920.  There will NOT be any jumping from assigned vehicles to a new vehicle based on seniority, vehicle preference or any other circumstance unless authorized by a supervisor.  Also, when a new vehicle is assigned to an Officer, be aware that you may be asked to not drive it for a shift and drive an older vehicle as to put more miles on older vehicles and to let newer ones rest.  This practice will eventually aid in replacing older Crown Vic’s and Chargers (as some have well  over 100k miles) and keep the new cars low on miles/usage so they last longer.  Also to note that when an Officer is assigned to a new vehicle and that specific Officer is off that day, the new vehicle will NOT be utilized unless authorized by a supervisor.  Again this practice will be to ensure the new vehicles are not being constantly used in a 24 hr period.  NO CARS ARE TO BE LEFT RUNNING UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY A SUPERVISOR!!  This includes parking out back for an extended period of time completing reports.  That’s why we have a report room for.  If you feel you can’t get your report done because of lack of computers in the back, let supervisor know and we will make one available for you.  From what I’m being told the new vehicles are being equipped with a system that will automatically start/shut off the vehicle when it senses the battery low.  This will allow for the videos to upload without killing the battery or stop uploading due to power loss in vehicle.

Everyone will eventually get a new vehicle as the old ones are placed out of service and replaced with new vehicles.  Please have patience in this process and just remember that when it’s your assigned vehicle’s time to go and be replaced, you will have the new vehicle.  As of this date no new vehicles have been put in service.  Unless ordered by a supervisor, do not utilize them.  I hope this clears things up for everyone.

Matos #144