Vehicles (University Owned )

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville maintains a fleet of vehicles, including marked and unmarked police vehicles, for a variety of institutional purposes.  The purpose of this policy is to provide University Police Officers with guidelines for proper use, maintenance, and reporting of damage.

Policy: Vehicles (University Owned)

Author: Chief Joseph M. Hallman

WILEAG Standard: N/A

Issue Date: January 24, 2012

Reviewed Date: March 23, 2026

Revised Date: March 23, 2026

 

Purpose:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville maintains a fleet of vehicles, including marked and unmarked police vehicles, for a variety of institutional purposes.  The purpose of this policy is to provide University Police Officers with guidelines for proper use, maintenance, and reporting of damage.

Policy:

It is the policy of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Police Department to use and maintain all departmental and University vehicles in a safe manner and in accordance with the Universities of Wisconsin Vehicle Use & Driver Authorization Policy.

Definitions:

1. Department Vehicle- Any vehicle, motorized or non-motorized, owned by, leased to, or any fleet vehicle assigned specifically to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Police Department.
2. Fleet Vehicle: Also known as State Owned Vehicle (SOV): Any vehicle owned or leased by the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.  These vehicles are under the control of Facilities Management

Procedures:

1. Operating a State-Owned Vehicle
   1. Only University officers and employees with a valid driver’s license, two years of driving experience, and have been approved by the Environmental Health & Safety Specialist are authorized to drive SOVs.
   2. All drivers, including police officers, will have their driving records checked annually. Any negative change in the status of a driver’s record may result in the revocation of the privilege of driving a SOV. Whenever a driver has his/her license revoked, restricted, or suspended, the driver is required to immediately notify his/her supervisor.
   3. The use of University vehicles, including department owned vehicles, is limited to authorized official university business.
   4. The use of an SOV by an employee who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden. This behavior will be considered a violation of work rules, and may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including discharge. Any officer suspecting another officer of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, is not to allow the suspect officer to drive, and is to contact the Sergeant or Chief immediately.
2. Permitted and Prohibited Use of State-Owned Vehicles
   1. Car fleet and department vehicles may not be used for non-business mileage. No part of a trip may involve non-business miles. Officers may travel to and from lodging and meals, but only when away from an “employees headquarters city.” If non-business miles are approved, the employee must reimburse the State at the rate established by State Statute, plus state sales tax.
   2. Family members and non-employees may not ride in SOVs. If an employee wishes to travel with family or a non-state employee then that employee shall use his/her own vehicle. Reimbursement will be at the lower rate of operating a SOV. Department vehicles are required to provide transportation for individuals during the performance of official duties. These situations are recognized by UW-Platteville. Officers should record the names of all passengers and the purpose of being in the vehicle within the University Police Records Management System.
   3. Hauling loads which could structurally damage the SOV is prohibited.
   4. SOVs are not to be used to tow or push other vehicles.
   5. SOVs are not to be used to jump start other vehicles.
   6. Modifications to SOVs for personal reasons are not permitted, including bumper stickers, signs, antennas, etc.
   7. Any modifications done to a SOV must be approved by the Owning Fleet Manager.
   8. Installation and/or use of any radar-detection device in a SOV is prohibited.
   9. The use of a SOV for personal gain is prohibited.
   10. Hitchhikers are not permitted in SOV. Drivers may render assistance to disabled motorists in emergency situations.
   11. Seat belts must be worn by the driver and all passengers, including police officers.
   12. Drivers are personally responsible for the cost of all traffic and parking citations.
   13. Drivers are responsible for assuring the vehicle is returned in a clean condition.

3. Department Owned Vehicles (Marked & Unmarked Squads)
   1. All permitted and prohibited use from above in Section B apply
   2. Unattended Vehicles
      1. Whenever a departmental vehicle is to be left standing unattended for any length of time, the windows shall be closed and all the doors locked.  The motor should be turned off.  During extreme temperatures, an officer on shift may leave a vehicle running to prevent snow, ice, frost accumulation on the windows or extreme heat inside the squad which could damage departmental equipment.  Every effort should be made to keep the time a running vehicle is unattended to a minimum.
      2. If the vehicle is going to be parked for an extended period of time, the First Responder bag, and other equipment that may be affected by extreme temperature conditions should be removed and stored in the Department.
   3. Fuel
      1. Officers should refuel department vehicles prior to the end of their shift.
   4. Vehicle Cleanliness
      1. The department vehicles should be kept clean. Everyone is responsible for removing his/her garbage prior to the end of his/her shift.
      2. Eating and drinking in a department owned vehicle is discouraged. Anyone who does do so is responsible for cleaning any spillage.
      3. Every Spring and Fall all department vehicles will be deep cleaned, including wash, wax, detail, carpet cleaned, windows, etc.
   5. Fire Extinguisher

1. A fire extinguisher should be in each vehicle, and periodically checked to make sure it is recharged.
   1. When an extinguisher is used it should be brought back to the University Police Department and an email regarding refilling should be sent to the Sergeant.
   2. The University Police spare extinguisher should be placed in the vehicle as soon as possible.

6. Use of Vehicles Outside of Regular Patrol Duties
   1. Department vehicles shall be used only for official duties.
      1. Any officer wanting to use a squad for non-patrol duties shall ensure the following:
         1. The squad will not be needed by on-duty officers
         2. The squad is not scheduled for maintenance
         3. The squad has not been reserved by another officer
      2. Officers utilizing department vehicles, when not on a patrol shift shall notify the on-duty officer when the squad is taken and when it is returned.

4. Accidents
   1. Departmental Vehicles
   1. An accident involving a University Police vehicle on campus shall be investigated by an outside law enforcement agency.
   2. An accident involving a University Police vehicle off campus shall be investigated by the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.
      1. In all cases, the police officer involved should request the investigating officer to forward a copy of the accident report to a Supervisor as soon as possible.
   3. The police officer involved in an accident regardless of location, shall submit a written report in the UW-Platteville Police records management system.
   4. The police officer involved should contact a Supervisor right away, or at the very least, within 24 hours of the accident.
   2. Non-Departmental Fleet Vehicles driven by University Police Officers
      1. All accidents involving SOVs are to be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. University Police Officers should not complete accident reports for accidents that occur off campus
      2. The driver of a SOV is responsible for contacting a Supervisor, as soon as possible, regarding a property damage accident, even if the damage appears minor.
      3. The University Police Supervisor will notify the Environmental Health and Safety Specialist and/or Facilities of any accident involving a University Police Officer.
      4. If there is any bodily injury to anyone involved in the accident, a Supervisor shall be notified immediately.

3.  Non-Departmental Fleet Vehicles driven by University Employees
   1. The person reporting the accident should be instructed to follow the instructions and complete the accident report contained in the travel accident kit located in the glove box of the fleet vehicle.
      Remind the caller to obtain the name of the Police Officer and Department responsible for investigating the accident. (Obtain a business card if possible.)
   2. The person responsible for the fleet vehicle should contact Facilities, 342-1155 as soon as possible during normal business hours.

1. The University Police Department does not authorize expenditures for other university departments. If the caller has concerns regarding authorization for expenses, he/she needs to contact the person within his/her department that can authorize expenditures.
2. The University Police will not assume responsibility for reporting or investigating property damage accidents occurring off campus.

4. Accident involving Injury or Fatality
   1. The officer receiving the notification should get contact information from the caller, and a brief summary of the incident, extent of injuries, fatality information, jurisdiction information if known. This information will be forwarded to a Supervisor and the Vice Chancellor as soon as possible.