Pros and cons of using the same police vehicle constantly through shifts versus assigning individual vehicles to field officers for every shift
One of the most important aspects of policing is patrol (Hess and Orthman, 2010). Research indicates that the more efficient the patrol is, the better the efficiency in policing, especially in relation to detection, responding, and prevention of crime (Mackey and Levan, 2011). On such basis, improving patrol has been a key consideration in contemporary law enforcement. One key consideration in improving patrol has been whether to utilize a personal car program or a multi-shift car program.
Under the personal car program, an officer is assigned a car which they utilize in the discharge of their duty. The officer has personal responsibility for the car, and in some departments the officer is allowed to take it home after their shift (Hess and Orthman, 2011). On the other hand, under the multi-shift car program, a patrol car is designated in terms of shifts. The officers on shift use the car, irrespective of their unit. Once the officer’s shift is over, they surrender the car to the next officer on shift. Each of these programs has advantages and disadvantages, which are considered hereunder.
One of the key advantages of a personal car program is accountability over the use of the car. Here the officer is responsible for the maintenance and service of the car, whether on shift or not. It is easier to assign blame or responsibility for any damage or destruction to the car (Ruegg, 1978). This would be onerous in a multi-shift car program as it would be difficult to know who caused the damage, especially where the car is not inspected before and after a shift.
Such accountability greatly reduces the maintenance costs for the car. This is because not only does it compel the officer to look after the car but in some cases it encourages officers to take pride in the car and treat it as their own, and take better care of it. It also reduces the cost of repairs as the officer knows when and where the car has a problem. This would be hard in a multi-shift program as in some cases an officer may fail to notice a problem or assume that that is the state of the car. It is on such basis that it is believed that the running costs of a person car program are to a large extent less than in a multi-shift program (Ruegg, 1978).
Another advantage is reduction of crime in the area. This is attributable to the presence of police officers. In this context crime is reduced by two perspectives: one, the perceived presence of the police, and two, the actual presence. Research indicates that the presence of police deters would be criminals from committing crime (Travis, 2008). Accordingly, the presence of the police patrol car, especially where the officer is allowed to take the car home, would deter criminal activity. From the actual presence perspective, the personal car program allows officers to respond rapidly to crime, either in terms proximity to the crime scene or the ability to reach the scene rapidly.
The third advantage of a personal car program is it attracts quality entrants to the police force. The benefit of taking a car home is no doubt alluring, and would influence better qualified people to the job. This has the effect of improving the personnel in the force and ultimately the efficiency of the department.
Cons of the personal car program
Another disadvantage is that implementation of the program might demoralize some officers, especially where the department is unable to issue cars to each officer. Those left out may have negative reservations on those with cars, and the entire department. This would ultimately lead to tension in the workplace, which could seriously jeopardize the efficiency of the department.
Thirdly, the take home car is susceptible to more vandalism related damage than a multi-shift car. The take home car is parked at the officer’s home, which is not as secured as the police parking lot. This makes it prey to people who dislike the police as well as criminals who want to steal the equipment in the car. This may also occasion additional costs for repair and maintenances.
Pros of the multi-shift car program
One of the key advantages of this program is its cost saving aspect, especially in terms of purchase of vehicles. This program allows a department to utilize few cars while at the same time discharging its mandate. It also enables the department avoid additional gasoline and insurance costs. The costs saved can be directed to other activities that may improve the department’s efficiency.
Another advantage is that the program assists in the development of teamwork and cohesion among the officers. The car is seen as a team asset and the officers in the different units using the car feel connected to each other. The officers also sharing the car get to know and understand each other better. The overall effect is that the officers are able to work efficiently as a team, which ultimately improves the competence of the department.
Thirdly, the program facilitates easier management of the department’s fleet. Under the program the department is always aware where the vehicle is or is supposed to be. Additionally, inspection and accounting is made easier since the vehicle is returned to the department after the shift.
Cons of the multi-shift car program
One of the key disadvantages of the program is the reduced longevity of the car (Ruegg, 1978). Since the car has multiple users, some of them tend to misuse it or fail to take good care of it. This increases the costs of repair, maintenance, and replacement. Related to this is another disadvantage of tension among officers. Sharing of the car may cause tension in instances where some officers misuse the car, fail to clean it, or delay at the time of shift changeover. This tension may affect the overall efficiency of the department.
Thirdly, the program renders the department unable to effectively respond to emergency situations where the car is engaged somewhere else. The response to an emergency situation in such case would be either to radio the shift officers to respond to the situation, which necessarily means leaving whatever engagement they have, or wait for them to finish the engagement; either way the response would be less effective. The situation would be worse if there are several emergencies.
Implementing the program in Hialeah Police Department
However, for the Accident Investigation Unit, each of the seven members should have an individual car since they handle on average 42 hit and run accidents a month per officer. This would assist them to investigate the accidents faster. Additionally, the program would assist them to be mobile, and thus effectively enforce traffic laws. The Public Service Aides can operate in two officer units, and thus require 3 cars. The 8 officers of the Motorcycle Unit should also be assigned individual cars. 10 cars should be set aside for emergency situations. Accordingly, there should be 15 individual cars, 10 for emergency, and the remaining 63 to be utilized by two officer units.
References
Hess, K. M. and Orthmann, C.M.H. (2011). Introduction to Law Enforcement & Criminal
Justice. California: Wadsworth Publishing Company. Print.
Hess, K. M. and Orthmann, C.M.H. (2010). Police Operations: Theory & Practice. California:
Wadsworth Publishing Company. Print.
Mackey, D. A. and Levan, K. (Eds.) (2011). Crime Prevention. MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Print.
Travis, L. F. (2008). Introduction to Criminal Justice (6th Edition). New Jersey: Matthew Bender
& Co., Inc. Print.
Ruegg, R. T. (1978). The Police Patrol Car: Economic Efficiency in Acquisition, Operation, and
Disposition. Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office. Print.
