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322 All Terrain Vehicle Operation (Revised 05-13-2022)FRIDLEY POLICE DATE OF ISSUE NUMBER: GENERAL ORDER June 13, 2013 322 SUBJECT: REVISION DATE SECTION: All Terrain Vehicle Operation May 13, 2022 Yellow I. PURPOSE The purpose of this general order is to provide standards and direction for the safe and effective deployment of an all-terrain vehicle(s) for police use as well as establish a policy governing its operation. II. POLICY The Fridley Police Department will deploy an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to enhance the patrol function and provide a police presence in remote or isolated areas, as well as enforce laws and ordinances, whenever feasible and appropriate. This includes, but is not limited to, tactical patrol in problem areas where access by patrol squad cars is prohibited or in areas where the use of a conventional patrol car would be impractical. The ATV may be used during special events to provide efficient transportation of officers or other police department personnel. Incidents involving large expanses of land, such as searches and remote crime scenes, may also require the use of the ATV. The ATV will be utilized by officers and reserve officers to patrol bike trails, parks, picnic areas, parking lots, and hiking paths in the city. The ATV will be used to increase the level of positive community/police interaction by providing more opportunities for direct community service and personal contact. III. REFERENCES Fridley City Code Chapter 508 Parks and Parkways Fridley City Code Chapter 512 Motor Vehicle Regulations on Public, Semi-Public, and Private Property. Pursuant to Fridley City Code, the police department use of an ATV is allowed in all parks and on all roadways for both routine patrol and emergency purposes. IV. TRAINING Members will successfully complete a department approved training course in the familiarization and safe operation of an ATV. This training at a minimum will consist of familiarization with the unit and its owner’s manual, pre-ride, patrol ride, and post-ride safety procedures, as well as optional personal protective gear. Members of the Fridley Police Department will be required to complete the department approved ATV training, successfully pass a written knowledge test, and complete the department approved hands-on driving familiarization and driving skills building program. V. OPERATION A. The ATV can be used year-round. B. The ATV can be deployed with one police officer. C. The ATV will be deployed with a minimum of two reserve officers, or two Community Service Officers, or a combination of at least one reserve officer and one Community Service Officer. Non-sworn personnel may not operate the ATV with fewer than two persons, unless specifically directed to do so by a supervisor or police officer. D. Transportation to a distant site outside of Fridley may be done with the use of the public works department provided ATV trailer and police department designated tow vehicle. For most other deployments, including those in neighboring cities, the ATV can be driven to the scene. E. Prior to operation, members will conduct a pre-ride inspection. F. Any damage will be properly noted, and a shift supervisor shall be notified. 1. If during any ATV deployment an accident or damage occurs, the shift supervisor should be immediately notified. G. Upon completion of an ATV deployment, the post-ride procedures should be completed (see below procedures). H. Only properly trained members of the department will be allowed to operate the ATV. I. While police officers are allowed to make traffic stops with the ATV when appropriate, at no time will members engage in a vehicle pursuit. J. Officers may engage in pursuits of pedestrians or bicyclists in so far as the risk of the pursuit does not outweigh the benefit derived from the subject’s apprehension. K. Officers assigned to an ATV can handle all types of calls for service, but may on occasion need the assistance of units in a conventional patrol vehicle for situations that cannot be handled by an ATV unit, such as arrest transportation. L. Proper safety equipment will be worn when operating the ATV. This includes, but is not limited to; seatbelts when traveling at speeds above 20 mph, protective eyewear, and appropriate footwear. M. Optional safety equipment is available for use and includes DOT approved helmets and protective gloves. N. Officers are expected to ride in the safest manner possible, consistent with all laws and best practices both to present a good example to the public and to reduce accidents and injuries. O. Only in an emergency situation should the ATV be operated on any Interstate Highway (I694) or state highway (TH47, TH65). This prohibition does not include driving on either University Ave or Hwy 65 in order to get across the roadway. P. Driving on roadways with heavy traffic should be avoided if possible. Q. Primary use of the ATV should be to areas not readily accessible to conventional police vehicles. VI. PROCEDURES A. Pre-Ride procedures Prior to operation, members will be knowledgeable of ATV’s and the safety procedures associated with them. Prior to duty on an ATV, each member must perform a pre-ride inspection of the ATV using the ‘T-CLOC’ method described in the ATV training course. T Tires and Wheels (air pressure, condition, wheel bearings, lug nuts etc.) C Controls and Cables (location, operation, throttle, brakes, shifter) L Lights and Electrics (headlights, brake lights, emergency lights, siren) O Oil and Fuel (oil level, fuel level, vents, air filter) C Chain/Drive belt, Chassis and Suspension (condition, lubrication, wear, bolts) Any problems noted during the inspection will be reported and documented on the pre-ride/ post-ride inspection form. The ATV will not be operated if any condition exists which affects the safety of the unit or could cause damage to the vehicle if not repaired prior to operation. B. Patrol Ride Procedures All members will be familiar with and utilize the ‘SIPDE’ strategy as taught in the ATV training. This strategy will help to prevent potential risks and accidents. S Scan/Search I Identify Hazards P Predict what may happen D Decide what to do E Execute your decision Members will “tread lightly” at all times when driving the ATV. This term means taking the environment, turf, and land surface into consideration when operating an ATV. Any non-professional operation of the ATV (“horseplay”, intentional destruction of property/turf/trees, intentional destruction of or abuse of ATV, or reckless driving and/or behavior) will not be tolerated. Any such conduct will be reported to a supervisor. All privileges to operate the ATV may be immediately suspended. The member may also be subject to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the Public Safety Director or designee. Reintegration to the ATV program will only occur upon the successful completion of the ATV Training Course and approval from that member’s supervisor and the ATV program coordinator. C. Post-Ride Procedures At the end of duty, the member operating the ATV will re-fuel as well as clean/rinse any dirt, dust, or mud collected during the tour of duty. The ATV will then be parked in the designated parking space. The post-ride section of the checklist will be completed and turned in.