Unit Order #43 - Reserves Driving County Vehicles

Purpose:

The purpose of this order is to establish uniformed guidelines for reserves when they can and cannot drive marked county patrol cars.  This Unit Order is a guideline only, as not all situations and circumstances can be anticipated. 

Level II reserves shall not conduct “general law enforcement” action when alone, unless it is a life and death situation for those involved.

Law Enforcement Support

Level 1 reserves (1D, 1ND) have 24 hours peace officer powers and are allowed to work a one man car on any shift in patrol, special events, or any law enforcement activity without restriction.

Level 2 reserves may drive marked county vehicles alone as follows:

• To and from a designated location (crime scene, containment, evacuation areas, special event, parade, run, power outage, transportation of vehicles to/from certain locations, public relation events, etc).

Level 2 reserves are available and equipped to support a variety of law enforcement functions that include, but are not limited to, critical missing persons, power outages, traffic control, evacuations, fires, floods, station special events, and etc.  When it has been determined that an area or location such as a structure, open area, or vehicle is required to be preserved as evidence or essential for an ongoing operation, this can be accomplished by reserve personnel; however, scene preservation is the primary responsibility of patrol personnel.

(Revised on 09/18/2018) db